Jeff Hendrick's recent omission from the Derby starting line-up will be beneficial to the midfielder, according to manager Nigel Clough.
Hendrick, last season's young player of the year at Pride Park, has been on the bench for the Rams' last two matches following 16 starts this campaign.
The 20-year-old has struggled to recapture his form of last season, with Craig Bryson and 17-year-old Will Hughes forming a central midfield partnership in the recent home matches against Birmingham and Cardiff, in which Hendrick made brief substitute appearances.
However, Clough feels a breather will do Hendrick no harm and has backed the youngster to come back stronger.
"We have been forced to play him almost continually for the best part of 18 months," said Clough. "But now we don't have to. He can have a little rest and watch the game.
"It is important to watch as a young player. He hasn't done as well this season as he did last but coming out of the team will not do him any harm at all."
Sterling's long-term future at Liverpool has been the subject of conjecture in recent weeks, with talks over a new deal ongoing.
The 17-year-old has established himself as a key player in Rodgers' side this term and has also broken into the England squad.
Rodgers is not worried about Sterling's contract situation and expects the winger to pledge his future to the club.
"Raheem's been ongoing, the club and his representatives are in good dialogue and good communication, and hopefully we'll get that resolved fairly soon," said Rodgers.
Sterling has virtually been an ever-present this season and Rodgers admits they will need to give the teenager a break in the future to avoid fatigue setting in.
"There will be at some point and we'll need to give him a breather, there's is no question [about that]," added Rodgers.
"He's a very young man and is still learning the game. He still has technical elements he needs to improve upon and tactical elements.
"But one of the biggest things is psychological at this level - real mental fatigue can set in.
"He's been terrific so far. He's got to this stage at the end of November and been absolutely brilliant, but at some point he will need that breather.
"He's been one of our leading players, but for the benefit of Raheem it'll be something I'll need to consider."
