And Benitez reckons common sense has prevailed with the decision of Fabio Capello to omit Gerrard from the squad for the trip to Doha, although Glen Johnson, who is fit again after missing the last three games with a slight calf tear, will travel to the Middle East.

“Our doctor has been talking with the English doctor so they know the situation,” Benitez said. “When a player has not trained with the team for 15 days he cannot be 100% fit. Being available and being fully fit are two different things. When a player is available but he has been injured for one month, three months, six months, you would not say he is ready to play.

“Players being available and players being fit are different things, but at least you have players who can play 20 minutes if it’s necessary. Gerrard now has lost part of his fitness. We will see if he can train with the team, play against Bir-mingham or be on the bench but we know he will not be fully fit and maybe he will be out.”

Benitez added: “Steven is doing well, he takes care of himself and is a very good professional and we have a very good medical staff so I think we can manage. Now we needed to push him a bit and he was not fully fit and we have to wait and see what happens the next time.”

Johnson’s return to the right-back slot is timely given Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher are both suspended and Martin Kelly remains injured.

Albert Riera, Fabio Aurelio and Nabil El Zhar are back training and will be considered while Martin Skrtel is expected to return after overcoming a virus.