The Australia midfielder has not kicked a ball for the Anfield club this season after picking up a groin injury while playing for his country in the Asian Cup in the summer.

Benitez told Liverpool's official website: "Harry has been working really hard with the physios and next week he could be training or running with the rest of the first team.

"Harry is very important for us. A player with pace and ability who can score goals is always going to be important.

"It's clear he's someone with great quality and experience and we need these kind of players for the rest of the season."