Anfield Red

Rafa Benitez says Liverpool have missed Xabi Alonso in midfield, after the Spanish international was out with a foot injury.

Alonso has been out of action since picking up an injury in the 0-0 game against Portsmouth, and Liverpool have been on a poor run of form since, something that Benitez is keen to overturn against Arsenal, and says that the return of Alonso is a welcome one.

"It's clear that with Xabi, Daniel Agger or Fabio Aurelio, players with quality in possession, you can improve your attack, The question is to find the balance. Xabi is a top class player. If he plays well then the team plays well.

"In midfield we have Gerrard now playing better and if you have Steve, Mascherano or Xabi playing well then you know the team will play better.

"Xabi can play with pace. He has pace with the ball. It's important that we have someone who can switch the play before the opposing defenders are organised, he can pass the ball 40 yards so the defenders don't have time. Sometimes you need a player like Xabi."