DERBY TEAM NEWS
Liverpool's team is slowly taking shape ahead of the Derby in just over 48 hours time.
First up, Momo Sissoko has been training normally this week at Anfield and is match-fit for the weekend's Derby. The Mali international was cutting some shapes on a dancefloor in Liverpool last weekend - which has obviously helped his recuperation.
Riise is unlikely to be fit, and Jamie Carragher is 50:50. He was at a local hospital this morning for a follow up scan and a decision is expected to be made tomorrow regarding his fitness.
All the international players return from their duty tomorrow, a problem Everton have less of, and it will be interesting to see whether Rafa leaves some of them out. He obviously isn't happy that he will have little time to prepare his team for the game.
Benitez said: "The players will be back with us tomorrow but there's no time really to do what we'd like before the derby. All we can do is make sure they have recovered from their international matches.
"The important thing is they all come back fit and without problems. That's our hope."
The international games could enable Robbie Fowler to gain a starting place after a good week of training with Benitez at Melwood. Peter Crouch, England's saviour again, will also have a strong claim for a place.
Rafa has told Peter to keep his feet on the ground after suddenly becoming the media's darling.
Rafa added: "I am very happy for Peter but also worried. People are talking highly of him right now and as a manager that's good because it's always important for a player to have confidence.
"But I also have to say to him 'be careful' because things can change in a week in football. He must keep his feet on the ground.
"When people are saying nice things about you it's sometimes easy to stop working as hard because you think you're better than you are."
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