 Benitez will have to shuffle his side for the visit of Atletico |
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could be without strike duo Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog for the Europa League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Ngog has a hamstring strain as a result of a back problem which forced him off in the first leg 1-0 defeat in Madrid last week while Kuyt has a calf injury.
Ryan Babel, therefore, could start in attack, while Alberto Aquilani will play as Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible.
Key striker Sergio Aguero, meanwhile, returns from suspension for Atletico.
The young Argentine, who has been linked with a host of big-money summer moves, will pair up with first-leg match-winner Diego Forlan
And Benitez says his side will have to be wary of the front pair's threat, especially as an away goal for Atletico would leave the Reds having to score three to reach the final.
"We know they are very good on the counter-attack and Aguero and Forlan are dangerous because we know both can score goals," said the Spaniard.
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"We have to work very hard. We had the experience of playing them in the Champions League [last season] and they also beat us in a pre-season friendly.
"But if we can't keep a clean sheet we are ready to score more goals."
Captain Steven Gerrard could occupy a wide right role, with Fernando Torres again missing out with the knee injury that will keep him on the sidelines for the rest of the season.
It means Liverpool have it all to do to overturn their first-leg deficit - but Benitez admits the match will be a welcome distraction following a host of rumours linking him with a summer move to Juventus.
"I don't like the rumours," said the Spaniard ahead of the clash at Anfield. "I would like to see news in the press about trophies, or goals or fantastic performances about players but you cannot control everything.
"My future is Atletico Madrid. We have to concentrate on this game and try to win because it is the best for the club."
And the Spaniard believes the improved form of midfielder Gerrard could be key to his side ending their so far disappointing campaign on a high.
Gerrard scored twice in Sunday's 4-0 defeat of Burnley, and Benitez said: "It was important for him to score and he was playing well.
"I think it has been very good for the team. Now we can concentrate on our game and try to do the best. We have a lot of belief and everyone is ready so we have to show this on the pitch.
"If he is a leader on the pitch the rest of the players will follow him.
"It is always easier when you have Torres on the pitch but we have Gerrard, Alberto Aquilani, Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun or maybe the defenders.
"If we attack and create chances we have people who can score."
Liverpool (from): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Lucas, Mascherano, Gerrard, Aquilani, Babel, Benayoun, Ngog, Kuyt, Cavalieri, Degen, El Zhar, Pacheco, Ayala, Plessis.
