Benitez facing travel uncertainty

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and his players will assess their travel plans by the hour when they set off for their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid this afternoon.

UEFA’s decision to press ahead with Thursday’s first legs despite the Europe-wide travel chaos caused by the cloud of volcanic dust has had a major impact on Liverpool’s preparations.

However, Benitez admits he is more worried about getting the team home from the Spanish capital in good time for the Sunday afternoon kick-off at Burnley.

“In these special circumstances it could be better to postpone the game but we have to go,” said the Spaniard, who will leave the north-west by train with his players tomorrow.

“We had some time yesterday to rest the players. It will not be ideal but we will try to do the best for the players.

“The news we have is we will go to London and see what can happen. Maybe then the airports will be open and maybe we can fly from there.”