Brendan Rodgers said he would be a "nutcase" to let Andy Carroll join Newcastle United on loan, with Liverpool struggling for strikers.

Newcastle have proposed to take back the player, they sold for £35 million ($55.6 million) in January last year, on an initial season-long loan, with a view to a permanent move next summer. West Ham United are also interested in the England international striker, but Carroll, himself, has ruled out a move to the London club.

While the forward is still open to going back to Newcastle, Rodgers completely ruled out the possibility. "There is absolutely no chance (of a loan deal), and certainly not Newcastle," Rodgers told reporters ahead of his side's Europa League playoff against Scottish club Hearts on Thursday. "They got £35 million for this player last year.

"To even consider wanting to take him on loan is a liberty really.

"We have got a very small squad as it is. We have lost a lot of players this summer and I have not replaced them, as of yet.

"That is the reality of where we are. I need a minimum of three strikers. Once the window shuts, that is it until January.

"I have got (Luis) Suarez, Fabio Borini and Andy Carroll. I would need to be a nutcase to even consider at this moment to let Carroll go out, unless there are other solutions for that."

Rodgers revealed Carroll would most probably start the game against Hearts, but would have to pass a fitness test first. "He is due to start but he has felt a slight twinge, so we have had it looked at and scanned," the Liverpool manager said. "We will see what his response is over the next 24 hours. If he is available and then fit, he will start."

Rodgers is planning to give some youngsters a chance with 18-year-old left-back Jack Robinson in line for a start, after Jose Enrique was ruled out due to injury. "It's a chance for me to see the young players," he said.

"Raheem Sterling has come in and showed up very, very well over the course of pre-season. Jack has obviously been limited with the game time he's been able to get, but this is a chance.

"We want to do well, but this competition is also a great opportunity for me to see the young players, mixed in with some of the experienced players.

"It's a young group but I've got some strong, experienced players, international captains, Champions League winners, it's still a strong enough team."

Liverpool trained Wednesday in Edinburgh without the likes of Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel, and the Reds boss said he had given them a rest, keeping in mind the English Premier League game at the weekend.

"We've got a very small squad so I've got to try and protect some of the players," Rodgers added.

"They played over half an hour with 10 men on Saturday and they've got a massive game at the weekend, but I trust my players, and whatever team we put out will always be to win the game.

"Our main objective is the league, there's no question about that. But certainly when you work at Liverpool, both as a player and a manager, every game is important.

"We want to do well. The objective over the next two games is to get through into the group stages."