Rafa: Returning stars will boost us

Rafa Benitez today backed the return of key players from injury to kick-start Liverpool's season ahead of the onset of the busy festive period.

Click here to watch Rafa's press conference>>

Although the Reds suffered a 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina on Wednesday evening, the game saw Alberto Aquilani handed his long-awaited full debut for the club.

Fernando Torres also made his first appearance since November 4 as a substitute, while Steven Gerrard played for 90 minutes against La Viola.

With his squad now close to full-strength, Benitez is confident his team will soon be firing on all cylinders.

The boss told his pre-match press conference at Melwood: "You have to think about the positives - Torres coming back from injury, Aquilani starting a game and Gerrard getting fitter.

"I think we will be in a better position if we don't have too many problems with injuries in the next few weeks.

"Gerrard and Torres didn't play too many games together last season, but the team did well.

"It is the same this year. If both are fit and can play together, we will push them, but we also have to protect them."

The trio are set to be included in Liverpool's squad for Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter with Arsenal at Anfield.

The Gunners are currently third in the table, though they are only four points ahead of the Reds, and Benitez remains confident his side will soon return to the division's top four if they continue to work hard.

The boss also played down suggestions of the fixture being Liverpool's 'most important' of the season so far.

"It is important, but every game will be important until the end of the season," he said.

"We have to start with this one because Arsenal are at the top of the table, so if we can win we will be closer and will have a better chance of finishing in the top four.

"Every year you have to approach the season thinking about wining something, but each season is different.

"We have had some problems before, but now our idea is to improve in the league and afterwards think about the Europa League and the FA Cup.

"Sometimes the team have a bad moment, but that is the same at all the clubs. The only way to change things is to work harder and try to do things well."

Ahead of the weekend's fixtures, Liverpool find themselves in seventh position in the table.

Top four hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester City are currently above the Reds, but Benitez believes the extra competition for Champions League places is of benefit to all.

He said: "It is good for the league. If you have just one team trying to be in the top four, it will be easier for the top four and won't be as exciting for fans.

"But if you have three or four teams challenging, that is good news for the fans and the TV companies, and it will also give you a better opportunity to be up there because everyone will lose games. We have already seen Chelsea and Manchester United lose some games this season."

Asked by reporters whether both he and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger were under pressure to deliver silverware this season, as well as secure a top four finish, Benitez replied: "All the managers of top sides have to perform and win something, but the situation of each club is different.

"Arsene Wenger is a fantastic manager, who has been here for a long time doing a great job.

"People are expecting to see Arsenal win trophies, but he is a great manager, who knows how difficult it is to win trophies in England."

Arsenal will arrive at Anfield with memories of last season's epic 4-4 draw between the two sides still fresh.

The boss is hopeful of a more favourable result for his side this time around - though he is predicting both teams will finish the season amongst the top quartet.

"It was an amazing game," recalled the Spaniard. "It was really good for the fans, but not the best for the manager when your team concedes four goals.

"It was a very good game and hopefully this one can be the same, but with Liverpool scoring more goals.

"I think both sides will be in the top four. It is a long race, so we have to keep going."

Benitez also took the opportunity to update reporters on the latest regarding Javier Mascherano's future after he had recently revealed 'positive' talks had been held with the midfielder.

He confirmed: "We are closer in terms of the conversations. We know what the position is, we just need to ring the agent and try to finalise the conversations."

Meanwhile, the boss was quizzed for his views on the recent comments that have been attributed to Graeme Souness and Jurgen Klinsmann in the media, in which the duo are alleged to have criticised the club.

Click here to watch Rafa's press conference>>