World Cup 2010

Rafael Benitez Urges Fabio Capello Not To Pick Steven Gerrard For England

Skipper could be fit to face Birmingham but not Brazil insists Reds boss.

Nov 8, 2009 9:40:23 AM

Champions League : Steven Gerrard & Rafael Benitez (Liverpool)

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Champions League : Steven Gerrard & Rafael Benitez (Liverpool)

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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has urged England boss Fabio Capello to use “common sense” when it comes to picking his squad for next weekend’s friendly international with Brazil in Doha.

The Reds manager has also warned the Italian that there is little point in picking Steven Gerrard, as the midfielder has been unable to train for the last fortnight.

Yet, confusingly, Benitez also conceded his captain did have a chance of playing in Liverpool’s clash with Birmingham City on Monday night.

“I don't see the point of taking a player who has not trained with his team for 15 days,” he told the News of the World.

"If he plays on Monday it will be because we have pushed and pushed him, but you cannot tell me when he has not trained with us for 15 days that he is fit.

"He can be available maybe if everything is ok but he is not match fit.

"So to play friendlies with him when England have already qualified, I would be really surprised.

"I will be really surprised to see my players playing friendlies when they are not fit for my team.”

Benitez also conceded he had no agreement with England over the use of Gerrard but he was hoping the Three Lions would see sense.

"There has been no agreement but it is just common sense. Common sense is just something you have to use,” he added.

"I am sure that they understand. I hope common sense will prevail.

"Our doctor is in contact with England doctors so they know the situation."

Liverpool, meanwhile, take on Birmingham at Anfield on Monday, desperate for a win to stop a torrid run, with the Spaniard revealing that he was willing to risk his skipper in the game.

"We need to perform and when you have big players you sometimes have to take the risk,” he added.

"Maybe he has to be on the bench and we can use him that way.

"If a player is not fit but is really good, maybe he can make a difference."

Gill Clark, Goal.com UK

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