"Xabi has been working hard in Spain and he came back to Liverpool this week," said Benitez.
"I said recently I wasn't waiting for Xabi this season, but that was because I don't want to rush him back. I'm always optimistic, but I preferred not to think too much about him because I didn't want to be disappointed. If you put too much hope in him returning, you can get frustrated.
"Now, it looks better for him. He may be able to play for the last month. He's working with our physiotherapists and making progress."