Rafael Benitez hopes Liverpool obtain international clearance for Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel so they can play in the Asia Trophy on Friday.A major part of Benitez's extensive summer recruitment campaign, both Torres and Babel were prevented from featuring in the 3-1 win over South China in Hong Kong on Tuesday night after Liverpool.

With skipper Steven Gerrard sidelined with a minor stomach problem, the double blow left Benitez woefully short on numbers, forcing the Liverpool boss to play Sami Hyypia in central midfield after half-time.

Intensive talks are expected over the next 48 hours, with Benitez hopeful of having Torres and Babel available for Friday's final encounter with Portsmouth.

"There was a problem with the international clearance," confirmed Benitez.

"It is clear the matter caused us a problem because we ended up with Sami in midfield.

"I do not know exactly what the problem is but hopefully we can find a solution so they can play on Friday."

Benitez also believes Gerrard will be over his ailment by then too and be available to lead a Liverpool side that attracted a capacity 38,000 crowd to a Hong Kong Stadium which had been just over half full for Portsmouth's win over Fulham.

Although they hit the heights only sporadically, Liverpool were far too good for their hosts, with John Arne Riise responding to the speculation over a move for Gabriel Heinze in the perfect manner.

The Norwegian smashed home a spectacular free-kick to put the Reds in front. Now Benitez wants Riise to produce that kind of form when the Premier League starts in a fortnight.

"John has made a really good start to pre-season," admitted Benitez.

"But this is only the practice. If he can start scoring goals like that in the Premier League that really would be perfect."

Benitez also introduced Harry Kewell, who has been absent on Asian Cup duty with Australia.

The winger did quite well in the first half but as he tired in the second, Benitez opted to take him off to prevent the possibility of injury.

"I knew Harry would be fitter than the other players because he has been training and playing in games," he said.

"He was really good in the first half but after that he had some problems and he started to get tired, so I took him off, just in case."

More Football News from TEAMtalk