Since returning from injury, Kewell has made three appearances off the bench for Liverpool's first team and is a long way from top form or match fitness, prompting Benitez to be cautious about the Socceroos call-up for Sunday's game at Craven Cottage.

"Harry being back is like having a very good new player," Benitez said.

"Maybe it is good that he will go with the national team, but I would like to see the player training with a proper program.

"So we need to talk to the Australian federation to see if we can maintain the progression of the player."