With no Barclays Premier League matches for two weeks, it has allowed Liverpool's injured stars a chance to regain their fitness.

Yossi Benayoun, Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso are out injured and are working their way back to first team fitness.

"It could be good timing for us," said Benitez. "I don't like to see a lot of players going around the world but this time around it gives our injured players time to recover.

"Agger is running and is much better. Benayoun has started working with the physios but will need time.

"Xabi is closer but I do not think he will be ready for the next game."