Aston Villa vs. Liverpool: Key Takeaways from Brendan Rodgers' Pre-Match Presser

Ahead of Saturday's clash with Aston Villa, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had plenty to say regarding potential transfers and the health of his banged-up squad.

One of the biggest question marks surrounding the Reds this season has been the status of troubled striker Mario Balotelli. The Italian star has no goals in 12 appearances, and it is clear that he has fallen out of favor.

With that said, Rodgers revealed that Balotelli will not be on the move during the current transfer window, according to Ian Doyle of The Liverpool Echo:

Another intriguing personnel topic came up in the form of Belgian winger Divock Origi. The 19-year-old World Cup standout is currently on loan to LOSC Lille from the Reds, but Rodgers admitted that Liverpool is looking into bringing him back this month, per This Is Anfield:

Rodgers also had some important updates on injuries and absences that have been hampering the Reds and have contributed to their current eighth-place standing in the English Premier League.

Winger Raheem Sterling is set to return against the Villans after missing a pair of contests due to an authorized winter break:

Things aren't quite as certain for some of Liverpool's other stars, though.

According to This Is Anfield, Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard and Adam Lallana all continue to work through various injuries:

The same can be said for Joe Allen, who is on the verge of rejoining the team for training:

While Lallana won't be available to face Aston Villa, Rodgers believes he will be back for the Reds' Capital One Cup clash with Chelsea on Jan. 20:

As for Sturridge, he is reaching the conclusion of his rehab from multiple injuries:

There has also been a great deal of speculation regarding Gerrard's status with the squad for the remainder of the season. The captain and Liverpool legend is essentially a lame duck as he is set to join MLS' Los Angeles Galaxy in July.

That means the Reds could opt to move him elsewhere for the next six months, but Rodgers is unsure if the club will do so:

Regardless of the transfer and injury drama, Liverpool have been on a good run as they haven't lost an EPL match since falling to Manchester United on Dec. 14.

With that in mind, Rodgers feels as though the team is hitting its stride in all aspects:

Saturday's match is a huge one for the Reds since they could move up to sixth with a win and some help from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

They are also just five points out of the all-important fourth spot. Aston Villa are in 13th place and have scored a league-low 11 goals this season, but things are never easy away from home.

Even so, this has the makings of a match that Liverpool must get some points out of.

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