The Israel international has not played since sustaining the injury
late on in the FA Cup fourth-round replay defeat at home to Reading
on January 13.
At the time Benitez said he expected Benayoun to be
sidelined for a month and so his recovery is on schedule.
However, the Reds boss has consistently stressed he will not
rush back players - Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson are also out
with knee injuries - and Benayoun will be no different.
"Yossi was training with the team," Benitez told
liverpoolfc.tv. "Still we have to be careful with his rib but he
was training."
It is unlikely Benayoun will be involved in Thursday's Europa
League tie at home to Unirea Urziceni but there is a possibility he
could be in the squad for their crucial Premier League clash at
Manchester City, their main rivals for fourth place, a week on
Sunday.
Having lost to Arsenal in midweek - ending a seven-match
unbeaten run - Liverpool are above fifth-placed City only on goal
difference having played two matches more and defeat at Eastlands
would seriously damage their bid for Champions League
qualification.
