Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists there was nothing sinister in the absence of some senior players for their lap of honour at the end of Sunday's victory over Manchester City.

But some stars will clearly go. It was noticeable that Peter Crouch, Jermaine Pennant and John Arne Riise did not take part in the lap of honour at Anfield.

Benitez said only: "They were not in the squad, so they had freedom to do what they want. Sometimes players who are not in the squad do not come to the ground."