Rafa frustrated by Aurelio injury

RAFA BENITEZ today revealed his frustration at the latest injury which means he could be without Fabio Aurelio for three weeks.

The Brazilian defender was restored to Liverpool's starting line-up for Sunday's tussle with Blackburn Rovers but he lasted just 39 minutes of the 2-1 win.

Subsequent tests have shown Aurelio has damaged his right thigh muscle, which means he will miss games against Wigan, Portsmouth and possibly Manchester United, as well as the Europa League double-header with Lille.

Aurelio started the campaign on the wrong foot after suffering a freak knee injury playing football with his children during the summer and subsequently picked up a number of knocks.

This latest setback could not have arrived at a less opportune moment, as Benitez had planned to give Aurelio a run of starts, in order to let Emiliano Insua catch his breath.

"It's not good news and we think he is going to be out for maybe another two or three weeks - Fabio has had really bad luck," Benitez confirmed. "It all began at the start of the season, when he suffered the injury during the summer with his family, and it's like there has been something every month since then.

"It is a shame because he is a top footballer and a really nice person but him being out leaves us with a problem because we wanted to play him, so we could give Insua a rest."

Insua's form has ebbed and flowed this season but, in playing 2,360 minutes, Benitez has only given more time on the pitch to Jamie Carragher (2,472) and Dirk Kuyt (2,436) than the Argentine full-back.

"Emiliano is a good young player and has benefited from being involved in so many games but he has been playing a lot recently," Benitez pointed out.

"We needed Fabio so he could help the team and also help Insua. His injury is bad news for both of them."

At the start of last week, Benitez had envisaged having a fully-fit squad for the run in but he has found himself almost back at square one following the problems picked up by Aurelio, Martin Skrtel (broken metatarsal) and Daniel Agger (twisted knee).

Agger's injury, though, is not too serious and the Reds boss is hoping he will respond to treatment in time to take his place in the team that will face Wigan next Monday night.

"We will continue to watch Daniel," said Benitez. "We are glad that it is nothing serious but whether he is available for Wigan depends on his progression in the next few days."

Dirk Kuyt, meanwhile, is confident Liverpool will play Champions League football next year if they continue to keep churning out results. The Dutch forward, who will represent his country against the USA tonight, believes recent signs have been encouraging.

"Every game in the league at this stage is very important," he said. "We have progressed in the last 10 games - a lot of clean sheets, a lot of good points and winning results. I'm sure we will finish in the top four at the end of the season."

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