Kewell, whose current deal runs out in the summer, has been out of favour since the FA Cup defeat by Barnsley and was not even in the squad that travelled to Italy this week for the Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

And now Kewell has asked for, and been given permission by Benitez, to link up with Australia for their two forthcoming matches in the international break.

Benitez says: "They play two games and he is not playing here, so it is good that he goes with them and plays to get fit.

"I have given him permission because he was not playing for us at the moment. So it is positive for him and his national team that he plays for them.

"The contract will be more difficult for him, if he plays well for Australia and comes back fit he could have a part to play at the end of the season.

"But his situation could become more difficult. I will make a decision at the end of the season."

Kewell will be missing again tomorrow when Liverpool face Reading tomorrow, a team that Benitez does not believe will be relegated from the top flight.

Benitez said: "Reading have a very good team spirit, they work hard and they have beaten us in the league. That was our first defeat of the season and a very disappointing day for us.

"We know we must keep winning and scoring goals. But Reading are a good side with a good manager and spirit, it is difficult to play against a side who work as hard as they do.

"It is a surprise that they have struggled because last season they did really well. But they have now won two games in a row and shown they have character.

"If they keep working this hard they will soon be safe. They are doing a good job and they have the right mentality to stay in the division."