Curbishley was left 'stunned' by Yossi's Hammers exit

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• More Premier League news club by club

Benayoun returns to Upton Park tonight for the first time since his move to Anfield.

The Israeli, who scored eight goals in 63 appearances for the Upton Park club, had agreed a new five-year deal last May but hadn't signed the new contract by the time Liverpool showed an interest.

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Shock: West Ham manager Alan Curbishley was surprised when he found out Yossi Benayoun (left) had decided to go to Liverpool

Curbishley said: "I thought Yossi was staying. He had agreed a new long-term deal. I went on holiday for a week and when I came back I was surprised to hear he was going to Liverpool. It was disappointing as he is a good player."

Hayden Mullins believes the speculation about the futures of Liverpool and manager Rafa Benitez will have taken their toll on Steven Gerrard and his team-mates.

A fallout between the club's American owners and Benitez have left the Reds in a state of turmoil.

"We've been there with West Ham last season when we were in the news all the time for various reasons," said Mullins. "It can't be unsettling for the players."

Craig Bellamy is back in full training but unlikely to face his former club.

Julien Faubert (calf) is unlikely to be risked but Matthew Etherington and Dean Ashton are both fit again.