Benitez has confirmed that Fabio Aurelio is very likely to miss the start of the season. The Brazlian left sided player cruciate ligament damage and Rafa admits that the player is at least a month away from recovery. His absence is likely to mean that Riise will be a confirmed starter for the first few games, with Babel possibly taking up a position on the left wing, a postion he’s featured in before, despite being right-footed.

By the way, you can get up to date information on all the pre-season injuries, doubts, suspensions and loans here.