Glen Johnson failed a pre-match test before the game against Man City, and Daniel Agger was taken off after just eight minutes with a head injury that needed stitches, and Benitez was asked if they could play tonight.

He replied: “If we decided to bring them here it’s because we think they can play. We will train (on Monday night) and then we’ll see.

“You know that for us it’s important now to have players coming back from injury. You talk sometimes about players being available but not ready, but at least if they are training we have more options.”

He was then asked if Steven Gerrard had coe through Sunday’s game without any ill effects.

“He was tired the other day but it was a difficult game,” said Benitez.

“When you are more or less three weeks without training with the team, to play 90 minutes is not easy. He was a little bit tired but I think he will be okay for Tuesday.”

Everyone is still waiting with bated breath to see if the new signing Alberto Aquilani was finally going to be thrown in at the deep end, and Benitez seemed confident that the Italian will play some part.

“Aquilani is in the squad so he can play. It depends. The team has some players in his position now – Gerrard coming back and the two midfielders (Lucas and Mascherano) doing well, but he’ll have his chances.

“We want him as soon as possible but we have to manage with the squad.”

So things are looking a little better today. Hopefully everyone can get through the game without sustaining further injuries.