Elsewhere, however, Benitez has received some encouraging injury news.
Djimi Traore last night made his first appearance since damaging a thigh muscle in the Carling Cup Final with a 45-minute runout in the reserves 2-0 defeat against Wolves.
The Liverpool defender is now in contention for an immediate Premiership return on Saturday with Stephen Warnock nursing an ankle injury and John Arne Riise likely to retain his place in midfield.
Anthony Le Tallec was also in action last night - contrary to weekend reports he could be out for six weeks with a thigh injury.
The French forward played in a European Under-21 Championship qualifier in Israel and could be in the frame for a substitute's role against Sam Allardyce's side at Anfield.
Juventus, meanwhile, have received a major injury boost ahead of next Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Influential midfielder Pavel Nedved is expected to announce his fitness for the Anfield clash when he returns from a head injury at Fiorentina on Saturday.
The Czech international has not played for the Bianconeri since being knocked unconscious during last month's Champions League defeat by Real Madrid.
But Nedved, who has also struggled with a knee problem this season, will make his return in Florence as Fabio Capello eases his midfield lynchpin towards full fitness for the trip to Liverpool.
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