Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has returned to training as he steps up his recovery from injury.
But Benitez will not take any risks with Israeli
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has announced that Yossi Benayoun has returned to training as the midfielder steps up his recovery from a broken rib.
The Israeli had been a rival to goalkeeper Jose Reina as the Reds' Player of the Season in a troubled campaign prior to the injury, which he sustained in the FA Cup defeat to Reading on 13th January.
With Glen Johnson and Fernando Torres also on the sidelines, Benitez will therefore be keen to welcome Benayoun back into his plans as Liverpool chase a place in the UEFA Champions League.
But the Anfield boss will not be taking any risks with the 29-year-old and so it would appear that Thursday's Europa League home first leg against Unirea Urziceni and the crucial Premier League trip to Manchester City could come too soon.
"Yossi was training with the team," Benitez told Liverpool's official website. "Still we have to be careful with his rib, but he was training."
Benayoun was linked with a move Dynamo Moscow in the winter transfer window, but Liverpool refused to sell.