BENITEZ: GIVE ME A BREAK.

Byline: IAN DOYLE

RAFAEL BENITEZ has renewed his attack on the international calendar after his preparations for a crucial week in Liverpool's season were thrown into chaos.

Talismanic duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard will both be absent through injury when Benitez's under-pressure side resume Premier League duties at Sunderland this afternoon.

"Both players were playing with us, and after they went to the international teams they came back injured," said Benitez (pictured).

The Liverpool manager once more criticised the demands of an international schedule that he believes is weighted too heavily in favour of the national federations.

"I cannot change the situation," he said. "The federations have the control more than the clubs.

happened," said Benitez .

"It's not the ideal preparation. But you cannot change things. You have to adapt and then maybe try and do your best. Now we have to think about winning every single game. Sunderland will be the first one."

Both Torres and Gerrard returned from international duty carrying groin problems, and although scans have shown no serious muscle damage, neither has recovered sufficiently to play today.

Benitez is hopeful the pair will be available for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Lyon and the visit of Manchester United five days later.

"They have more or less the same problem with the adductor of the groin," said the Spaniard. "It's not a serious injury but it's too early for them."

It is the latest time Torres has returned from international duty with an injury, despite Liverpool liasing closely with the Spanish medical team during the past year, but Benitez chose to keep his counsel on the matter.

"I have my opinion, but I prefer to think about Sunderland because it's the only thing I can do now," he said. "We cannot change the situation now."

There was some positive injury news, however, with scans revealing Sotriois Kyrgiakos is not facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

From Back Page There is a group of clubs - the G20 or the G200, I'm not sure how many - and still the federations have the control .

"I think that should change. I always say the same. But it's not my job.

"I have spoken in the past about playing internationals on the Wednesday and Saturday, or maybe the Saturday and Tuesday. I try to explain why, but it doesn't seem to matter."

And Benitez has further concerns over the fitness of Argentine duo Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua following their World Cup exertions in South America during the past week.

While Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva was back training at Melwood yesterday after appearing for his country, Mascherano and Insua only linked up with the squad in Wearside last night.

It must cast a question mark over their physical readiness for what is expected to be a bruising encounter at the Stadium of Light, where Liverpool can ill afford to lose any more ground having lost three of their first eight league games.

"All the things that can happen after an international break - injuries, playing the next game away and playing it on the Saturday - we knew might happen and now they've

Benitez hits out at international dates

CAPTION(S):

Crocked Anfield pair Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard