Rafa relaxed over duo Oz trip

Rafael Benitez is confident preparations for next weekend's clash at Sunderland won't be affected by his Dutch duo's trip to Australia.

Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel have travelled with the Holland team for a friendly against Australia in Sydney tomorrow.
 
Although Benitez would prefer his players not to have to make such a long-haul trek in the middle of the domestic season, he is comforted by the fact Kuyt and Babel will both return in plenty of time for the clash at the Stadium of Light.
 
"We tried to talk with the Dutch Federation about Dirk and Ryan having to travel so far but they have the right to call the players up for these games," said Benitez.
 
"We know Lucas, Mascherano and Insua will not be back until Friday afternoon and we will have to manage them carefully.
 
"We tried to find some kind of solution but it was impossible and it is not an ideal situation for them to travel to Australia for a friendly.
 
"But it is not so bad. They only have to play the one game, there is another seven days until we play Sunderland and we will see them again early next week.
 
"Both Dirk and Ryan know that I do not see a problem with them travelling and it is not going to be a bad situation.
 
"They will be back at least two or three days before the players who have gone to South America and I'm sure they will be okay for Sunderland."