Aurelio recovering

Aurelio has been out since rupturing his cruciate ligament in the 3-0 away win over PSV Eindoven last season. The Brazilian has been following a rigourous training regime since then and should return to training soon.

"Fabio isn't fit yet. It could be another month before he is recovered. We knew it would be a long time when he suffered the injury," said Rafael Benitez.

"He is improving but it's not easy when you have this kind of injury."