Benitez reveals new Gerrard injury fears ahead of Anfield opener

The Liverpool skipper returned from England duty amid more controversy over his role in the side, with Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp claiming it was ‘killing him’ playing him left midfield.

While national coach Fabio Capello accused Redknapp of misreading Gerrard’s true position, in the 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic, Benitez was more concerned about a nagging groin problem.

Steven Gerrard is struggling to be fit for Premier League clash against Middlesbrough

Fresh from clear-the-air talks with chief executive Rick Parry that he insisted were ‘positive’ and had ‘clarified several issues’, Benitez admitted Gerrard would need a late fitness check ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough.

He said: ‘Stevie first had this earlier in the year, and then he felt discomfort in his other leg, and it meant a couple of spells on the sidelines during the pre-season build-up.

'That is why he did not start against Standard Liege. It is clear he cannot be fully fit.

‘After missing so much preparation time, you would have to be superman to be 100 per cent.

'His fitness will improve, but at the moment he needs protecting a bit. 

'With players like Stevie, though, even if he is not at his peak physically, he still has the quality to make an impact on games.

‘There has been debate at this club about his best position.

'We know he favours central midfield, but he has the ability to shine anywhere.’

Benitez hailed last Saturday’s unconvincing 1-0 win at Sunderland as evidence that Liverpool are finally ready to emulate the top teams’ knack of taking maximum points on an off day.

He said: ‘If you can win when you are playing badly, it makes all the difference. It keeps the points tally up and confidence levels high.’