Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has urged Fabio Capello not to play Steven Gerrard in England's upcoming friendly with Brazil.

Gerrard has been sidelined with a groin injury which he aggravated while on international duty last time out - no doubt infuriating manager Benitez who has watched the Reds season start to fall-apart in the absence of his inspirational skipper.

And as Gerrard's return to first team action looms the club versus country debate has been reignited by Benitez claiming he should not play in next weeks game in Doha - even if he features for Liverpool against Birmingham on Monday.

Speaking to the News of the World the Liverpool manager commented "I don't see the point of taking a player who has not trained with the team for 15 days.

"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 okay 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.

"There has been no agreement but is just common sense. Common sense is just something you have to use.

"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's fortunes are not looking too bright following the 1-1 draw in Lyon on Wednesday leaving them on the brink of an early exit from the Champions League, and Benitez revealed he might have to gamble on his fitness against the Blues.

"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."