RAFA BENITEZ today paid tribute to Jamie Carragher's resilience after revealing the defender has played through the pain barrier for the last two months.
Carragher was given an injection on Wednesday night in a bid to cure an ankle problem which has plagued him since the away match at Tottenham on September 10.
The Reds stopper is expected to recover in time to face Portsmouth next week, but he's missing for this weekend's international friendly.
"Carra has had a problem for some time and now we are trying to protect him," said Benitez.
"He is a brave player and he never wants to come off or miss a game. The last thing we wanted was for him to play in a friendly and risk us losing him for a long time.
"With rest he can prepare for our next games. He has the character you want as a manager, which makes him so important."
Competition for World Cup places is hotting up, and Carragher's absence in Geneva on Saturday won't help his cause.
But, like most astute judges, Benitez thinks it's inconceivable his vice-captain won't be recalled in time for Germany next summer.
"I don't like talking too much about individuals, but he is always at a good level, which means I always have confidence in him," added Benitez.
"He can make mistakes like any player, but they are rare.
"If a manager wants someone for the World Cup, when you can't make many mistakes because you play so many games in little time, he is ideal. I'm sure he will be there."
After their seventh clean sheet of the Premiership at Aston Villa last week, Benitez feels his defence is providing a solid platform for an improved spell.
"The team know each other much better than last season. They are comfortable with the system and the players around them," said Benitez.
"When I am told we've had the same number of clean sheets now as we had in the whole of last season, it gives me confidence.
"Now we know we must score more goals and take more of the chances we create. We are stronger at the back and we can win more games."
As well as the England contingent and the Spanish quartet, John Arne Riise and Harry Kewell are playing for their countries tomorrow.
Rather than fear for Kewell, who is short of match practice, Benitez believes the two World Cup qualifiers will assist the player and club.
He said: "I'm glad Harry is going away with Australia because I want him to have games."
Great character and mentality shown yet again by Carra, but this also emphasizes why we need a CB in January.
" - CGGY
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