Carroll was injured, not dropped... and we're closing in on Sahin, insists Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed Andy Carroll missed Thursday night's 1-0 win over Hearts in the Europa League with a hamstring problem, while confirming he is edging closer to signing Nuri Sahin.

Sahin is expected to complete a season-long loan move to Liverpool on Friday after Arsenal pulled out of the running for Real Madrid's Turkey midfielder, 23.
Arsenal felt they made a significant breakthrough on Tuesday and looked set to complete a deal. However, it is understood they were not prepared to match Liverpool's offer to pay 70 per cent of his wages of £120,000 a week.
The manager said: 'Hopefully in the next 24 hours we will get some confirmation on that. It's quite far along. He's a very good footballer.'

• Hearts 0 Liverpool 1 - read Dominic King's match report here

Distant: Andy Carroll (left) and Brendan Rodgers seem frosty

Warming up: the two exchange a playful headbutt

Carroll failed to make the squad for the play-off first leg in Edinburgh - despite his presence at the stadium.
The England striker’s future has been the subject of huge debate this summer. Newcastle want to bring Carroll back to  St James’ Park, but so far they haven’t even come close to  meeting Liverpool’s £20m valuation.
They first made an offer to take Carroll back to the North East on loan last month but Liverpool manager Rodgers has robustly warned that only realistic offers will be considered.
However, Rodgers says the forward was set to start against Hearts and he remains hopeful he will be fit for Sunday's visit of champions Manchester City.
He said: 'Andy was due to start. He had a slight twinge on his hamstring.

Missing out: Carroll watches from the stand

Andy Carrol watches from the crowd

'We had a scan on it and it didn't show a tear, just a slight disruption.
'We tried to give him 48 hours, let him travel and he trained Wednesday to see how it was.
'It was still a bit tight and the medics' advice was it was too much of a risk for him to play.
'It was unfortunate because he has worked well and I know he was desperate to play.
'Hopefully missing the game will allow him to recover for the weekend.'
Rodgers also paid tribute to Sterling, saying: 'He's 17-years-old and you saw in the first half that tactically he's improving all the time, his pressing was good and he was starting to read the game.
'When he did have the ball he was very exciting. He had a real test tonight and he showed some good moments.'

Tough break: Andy Webster (left) turns the ball past Jamie MacDonald (centre) to gift Liverpool the lead

Just Fab: Borini celebrates Liverpool's winner

Rodgers added: 'First and foremost it was a win which is very important in European games, and certainly coming to a place like this with the crowd right up for it.
'I thought the players were excellent. We spoke about our positioning at half-time and in the second half our management of the game was much better. We kept possession better and the goal came from a very good move.
'It was a good win, a difficult match for us, and it was a really good game.'