Speculation was also mounting over the future of Robbie Keane, Liverpool's £20.3 million striker, who was omitted from their 18-man squad for the tie, which finished 1-1, and was not at the ground. Asked why Keane was not involved, Benítez replied: "He was not selected. We have a very good squad. I haven't seen him but he has to be disappointed. Normally all the players want to be in the squad."
After Joleon Lescott had given Everton the lead, Liverpool were again indebted to Steven Gerrard, their inspirational captain, who also scored in the 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw between the sides at Anfield on Monday. Two days after being bailed by magistrates on charges of assault and affray, Gerrard scored the equaliser after a brilliant pass from Torres.
Asked if it was a fair result, Benítez said: "I don't think so. One team was trying to win. They [Everton] were coming to draw the game and to get players behind the ball. That makes it difficult."
Marouane Fellaini, suspended yesterday, Mikel Arteta and possibly Louis Saha could be back for the replay a week on Wednesday and David Moyes, the Everton manager, defended his team's performance. "I never came here looking for a draw," Moyes said. "I might ultimately be happy with a draw, but I never came just looking for one. Everton do things with dignity and style."
The winners of the replay will be at home to Aston Villa or Doncaster Rovers in the fifth round. Fulham visit Swansea City and Manchester United go to either Nottingham Forest or Derby County.
Talk about the game here
