Meanwhile, Benitez has sidestepped a potential conflict with Sunderland manager Steve Bruce over Liverpool’s attempts to sign Black Cats striker Kenwyne Jones.
“I was not dealing with this,” said the Liverpool manager. “(Managing director) Christian Purslow has been talking with (Sunderland chairman) Niall Quinn so they have to manage the situation because I was not doing anything.
“They were in contact but I don’t know what the situation is now.”
A raft of Liverpool fixtures have been rearranged for live television purposes.
The trip to Wigan Athletic now takes place on Monday, March 8 at 8pm, while the home game against Portsmouth has moved to Monday, March 15, also at 8pm.
Both games will be shown live on ESPN but could be further rescheduled.
The visit to Manchester United will now be on Sunday, March 21 at 1.30pm, while the following week Sunderland are entertained on Sunday, March 28 at 4pm.
Both games will be broadcast live by Sky Sports.
