Aurelio and Skrtel hand Liverpool fitness fillip

Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio are poised to hand Rafael Benitez an Easter fitness fillip as the Liverpool manager remained upbeat over Champions League qualification.

Benitez expects both defenders to available in "a couple of weeks" to bolster his options during a run-in that is likely to have ramifications beyond this season.

Skrtel has been absent since leaving the field on a stretcher after breaking a metatarsal in his right foot during the 3-1 Europa League win at Unirea Urziceni on February 25.

Aurelio, meanwhile, hurt his thigh in the win over Blackburn Rovers three days later, the latest setback of an injury-hampered campaign.

It was initially feared Skrtel could miss the rest of the season which could have threatened his hopes of playing for Slovakia at this summer's World Cup.

But Benitez said: "Both are still injured and will need some time, but it's only a question of a couple of weeks. It depends for each one."

The pair will hope to play a part as Liverpool aim for a top-four place and Europa League glory, with the quarter-final first leg in Portugal against Benfica to come next week.

Benitez, though, admits Sunday's defeat at Manchester United means there is now little margin for error in the quest for the Champions League.

Liverpool are now four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and two adrift of Manchester City.

Both teams have games in hand, as do Aston Villa who are currently only a point away from Benitez's men.

Liverpool, though, have only one game remaining against top eight opposition - Chelsea at home in May - on the same weekend Tottenham face City.

The Londoners also have to face Manchester United, Arsenal and Villa before the end of the season, while City must play United, Arsenal and Villa, while the Midlanders have to also take on Chelsea.

And Benitez said: "It's difficult but there's still seven games to play. We have to keep going because still it's a long race.

"We know we have to perform and win our games, and it's clear that the other teams will drop some points and lose some games. How many they drop is the key.

"We have the belief we can finish in the top four but we have to keep going. Every game is important for us."

Benitez added: "We had two positive games (against Portsmouth and Lille), and then we played the team who are top of the table and we were not worse than them. Torres scoring five goals in a week - there are a lot of positives.

"People were a little bit down in training because we lost but everyone is thinking about Sunderland at the weekend.

"We had some conversations and everyone is thinking about the next game.

"You have to analyse the mistakes and the little things that can make a difference, but we have to be ready for the next game."

Jay Spearing's loan move until the end of the season to Coca-Cola Championship side Leicester City was confirmed yesterday.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.