Rafa eyes happy ending

The injury blight which plagued the first half of Liverpool's season may yet prove to be a blessing, rather than a curse, as Rafael Benítez seeks to beat City, Tottenham and Villa to the coveted fourth Champions League slot, the Spaniard has said.

The Liverpool manager has found his team hamstrung by injuries to key players for much of a disappointing campaign, with Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger, Yossi Benayoun, Alberto Aquilani and Glen Johnson all sidelined for long spells.

Yet while the headache refuses to subside - both Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio will be out for a month with foot and groin injuries respectively - Benítez believes the rest afforded to his players will help keep his side fresh while their rivals feel the effects of a long season.

"The players we have coming back now, given how fresh they are, can have an influence in the run-in," said Benítez.

"If we do not have any more problems, then it could be that our players will be fresher and have more energy than the other teams for the final games. Hopefully it will work out in our favour."

Johnson is back in training after being out for two months with a knee injury.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.