Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said that despite his joy with reaching UEFA Champions League group stages, it was sad to see two of his players get injured. Following a narrow 2-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa two weeks ago at Anfield, Liverpool's 1-1 draw against the Israeli side in Kiev on Tuesday was enough to see the Reds reach the group stage. "It was a difficult game but it's good to have qualified, it hasn't been easy to start pre-season without some players so it's always a relief to come through a tie like this," Benitez was quoted as saying by Liverpool's official website on Tuesday. After defenders Jamie Carragher and John Arne Riise picked up injuries in Liverpool's Premiership opener against Sheffield United on Saturday, Benitez suffered another blow after both Stephen Warnock and Mohamed Sissoko were injured against Maccabi. "It was very disappointing to lose another two players, Stephen's injury is hopefully not too serious but Sissoko could be out for two or three weeks," the Spanish tactician added. Despite the numerous injuries, Benitez remained optimistic over his side's chances in both the Premiership and the Champions League. "I'm sure that once the international break is out of the way, you'll see a side improving and progressing and ready to take over the big teams."
