RAFAEL BENITEZ is set to be back at Melwood in time to prepare Liverpool for Sunday’s game at Arsenal following yesterday’s operation on a kidney stone.

The Anfield manager was admitted to hospital in the early hours of yesterday morning after suffering discomfort and underwent an operation in the afternoon.

Bizarrely, it came less than two days after title rival Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose Chelsea side are one point behind leaders Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, had surgery for a similar complaint.

The Brazilian was in hospital overnight on Sunday following his kidney stone operation, before returning to Stamford Bridge to oversee his side’s 1-1 draw with West Ham later that afternoon.

However, Benitez now has time to recover before readying his players for their testing trip to the Emirates on Sunday.

A Liverpool spokesman said: “Rafa was admitted to hospital last night after suffering problems with a kidney stone.

“He will undergo a minor operation this afternoon and is expected to return to work within two or three days.

“He remains in good spirits and everyone at Liverpool wishes him a very speedy recovery.”

Liverpool go to Arsenal hoping to extend their impressive away record and lead at the top before Chelsea go to Everton on Monday.