Rafa has expressed his concern that Salif Diao will be difficult to sell when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Diao is facing more than three months out of action following his failure to secure a move to a new club in the summer - something which could drastically reduce his market value.

The Senegal midfielder is not in Benitez's first team plans, and the Liverpool manager would rather see a reserve team centred on young players trying to make the grade.