Struggling midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has been backed by Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to battle for a return to the first team. Sissoko a Mali international has struggled so far this season and has been left out of many starting lineups. Sissoko featured in Liverpool’s squad during their Champions League defeat against Marseile. However, he produced a disappointing performance which left him out of the lineup for the recent game against Tottenham.

Rafael Benitez has a long history with Sissoko. Benitez managed the player at Valencia when he was 18 winning both the La Liga and the UEFA Cup in one season. Rafa believes the midfielder is suffering from a lack of confidence which he is working hard to regain.

But Benitez insists he still supports the player, and said: "I see he is giving everything to play well. For our supporters that is the first thing any player must do."

After bursting out of the blocks this season Liverpool have been unable to continue their dazzling form which saw them at the top of the Premier League table. Benitez’ squad rotation policy is effecting any consistency in the team as they try to gel as a playing unit. To add to the recent woes it now looks like Fernando Torres will miss out on the Everton derby after picking up a thigh injury on international duty.