La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are said to have renewed their interest in the 24-year-old hitman and it appears that the England international could well depart from Anfield.
An appearance in the Champions League qualifying game would, of course, make Owen cup-tied for any potential new club, so a place in the starting line-up would be a sure sign that the Reds had persuaded their star striker to stay.
Benitez said: "Michael is in the list of players for tomorrows game. He is one of 19 players who can play. I have nothing to say on whether he will play or not. If he doesn't play it is because I have decided to play the other strikers instead.
"I've nothing to say on his contract situation. That is for the future. I am just concentrating on the match."
