Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits he may hold back Alberto Aquilani from tonight's clash with Aston Villa.

Benitez is aware that although Aquilani adds flair and creativity, he has been considered too lightweight at times for the English game during his opening months at Anfield.

Benitez said: "Aquilani did well against Wolves, but he needs match fitness. He was trying to be involved, passing and creating chances, but the Premier League is difficult and he will settle down little by little.

"It is a difficult decision with the Villa game coming so quickly. Some of our players were very tired after the Wolves match, while some had little injuries. We will need to assess them all.

"We will have to manage them carefully but clearly if Javier Mascherano is not available for the next three games through suspension, then Aquilani will obviously have more chance of time on the pitch.

"But against Wolves he was worried about his hamstring, he was concerned and I wanted to protect him. That is why we took him off."