Jurgen Klopp has denied Trent Alexander-Arnold was 'forced back' into action too early after the Liverpool right-back suffered another injury setback.
Alexander-Arnold is set to miss Liverpool's next five matches - including the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea - because of a recurrence to a knee injury.
The England international, 25, was taken off complaining of pain at half-time during Liverpool's win over Burnley last Saturday.
It came after he missed most of January due to ligament damage in his knee.
Alexander-Arnold may not return to action now until well into next month, with the March 10 clash with Manchester City a possible return date.