I was right to play for Israel, insists injured Yossi Benayoun
Mar 30 2009 by Nick Smith
YOSSI BENAYOUN insists he made the right decision in playing for Israel on Saturday – despite being carried off injured.
The Liverpool midfielder was already giving manager Rafael Benitez cause for concern ahead of the World Cup qualifier with Greece by stating his intention to play despite missing two weeks of club action with a hamstring injury.
Although it was a calf strain that forced Benayoun to depart during the 1-1 draw, Benitez will be far from impressed that his player made his return to action for his country.
The Spaniard must now wait for news on the extent of the injury today, as well as hoping the remainder of his international contingent return unscathed for the start of the Premier League title run-in.
Benayoun, who will be assessed ahead of Israel’s return game in Greece on Wednesday, said: "I made the right decision, and that’s it. We hope we’ll win in Greece, but a draw isn’t that bad either. Still, our aim is to win in Crete."
Before the game, however, he revealed that he was at odds with his club about travelling after missing Liverpool’s last three games.
"I had a little problem with Liverpool," he explained.
"They didn’t really want me to come to Israel. But as long as I know I will be able to give 100% I will play, even if it means risking my health.
"I’ve been going through intensive treatment in the last couple of weeks and I’m almost fully fit, but sometimes it’s still painful."
Benayoun is captain of Israel and has long been their most influential player, leaving the 28-year-old loath to let his country down.
Ahead of the game, he also said: "Missing out on Saturday’s game would be the biggest disappointment of my career. I’m feeling much better now and I hope that in a day or two I will be able to train with the team. If that happens, I will be able to play. Two weeks’ absence isn’t that significant."
Mar 30 2009 by Nick Smith
YOSSI BENAYOUN insists he made the right decision in playing for Israel on Saturday – despite being carried off injured.
The Liverpool midfielder was already giving manager Rafael Benitez cause for concern ahead of the World Cup qualifier with Greece by stating his intention to play despite missing two weeks of club action with a hamstring injury.
Although it was a calf strain that forced Benayoun to depart during the 1-1 draw, Benitez will be far from impressed that his player made his return to action for his country.
The Spaniard must now wait for news on the extent of the injury today, as well as hoping the remainder of his international contingent return unscathed for the start of the Premier League title run-in.
Benayoun, who will be assessed ahead of Israel’s return game in Greece on Wednesday, said: "I made the right decision, and that’s it. We hope we’ll win in Greece, but a draw isn’t that bad either. Still, our aim is to win in Crete."
Before the game, however, he revealed that he was at odds with his club about travelling after missing Liverpool’s last three games.
"I had a little problem with Liverpool," he explained.
"They didn’t really want me to come to Israel. But as long as I know I will be able to give 100% I will play, even if it means risking my health.
"I’ve been going through intensive treatment in the last couple of weeks and I’m almost fully fit, but sometimes it’s still painful."
Benayoun is captain of Israel and has long been their most influential player, leaving the 28-year-old loath to let his country down.
Ahead of the game, he also said: "Missing out on Saturday’s game would be the biggest disappointment of my career. I’m feeling much better now and I hope that in a day or two I will be able to train with the team. If that happens, I will be able to play. Two weeks’ absence isn’t that significant."
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