However, Benitez did hit back at reports that Javier Mascherano’s agent had said earlier this week the Argentine was keen to quit the club.

“Like I said before, Alonso will enjoy the weather, the fans and the journalists,” Benitez said.

“If he is ready by Sunday then he will play.

“As for Mascherano, you have a big problem now in the international press.

“There are too many websites, too many newspapers, too many radio and TV stations who have to compete every day. It seems sometimes you read news that is 15 days out of date.

“Mascherano knows our idea. He is an important player for us.”

Martin Skrtel and Nabil El Zhar were due to arrive back in Liverpool today after injury cut short their stay in the Far East.

Skrtel suffered a hamstring problem against Thailand and El Zhar damaged knee ligaments.

Both will undergo scans at Melwood to reveal the extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid sporting director Miguel Pardeza revealed the Alonso deal is at a standstill but he still hopes to persuade Liverpool to sell them full-back Alvaro Arbeloa.

“From day one, Liverpool have asked for more than Madrid are ready to pay (for Alonso) and it’s very difficult to understand,” he said. “But I’ve not lost hope that things can be resolved.

“With Arbeloa there was an option which, at the moment, has come to nothing. Liverpool haven’t had much intention of letting him go, even though he has one year left on his contract, and we are still in this situation.”