Prior to the trip to Merseyside, the Nigeria international had not featured for the Foxes since coming off the bench against Aston Villa on December 5, missing games against Napoli in the Europa League and Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Iheanacho and Super Eagles hopeful Ademola Lookman were among the group of Leicester City players who tested positive for coronavirus or were generally not well before the Europa League tie versus Napoli.
After a thrilling 3-3 draw in normal time, the Foxes were denied a place in the semifinals of the Carabao Cup after suffering a 5-4 loss on penalties.
In quotes relayed by LeicestershireLive, Rodgers said at the post-match press conference : "We had (Kelechi) Iheanacho and (Jannik) Vestergaard who have only been back a day but we had to put them into the game."
Rodgers namechecked Wilfred Ndidi as he commended his players for putting up a fight against one of the in-form teams in the Premier League.
The holding midfielder continues to deputize for the injured Jonny Evans at central defence.
Rodgers added : "We had (Marc) Albrighton at right-back, (Wilfred) Ndidi at centre-back, but we kept going right to the end and that shows the spirit they had.".
Iheanacho, Leicester City's fifth penalty taker, converted his kick during the shootout but it was the Reds that went through after Bertrand's spot-kick was saved and Jota was successful from 12 yards.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : lcfc.com
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