Having collected just one point from their opening two qualifying group games, Benitez's side will be aware that defeat in Istanbul will make passage into the knock-out stages of the competition an altogether more daunting task.

	It's good to talk: Rafael Benitez has discussed his substitution

With that in mind, Benitez is especially keen to have a motivated Gerrard driving his team's efforts and, having witnessed the disappointment demonstrated by the England player following his 71st-minute withdrawal at Goodison Park, the Spaniard moved quickly to get his captain back on board and snuff out any suggestion of a lingering problem between the pair.

"We have talked because every player would be disappointed, especially Gerrard, because it was a derby. He wanted to score the winning goal, but he is OK," Benitez said. "After some time he'll understand that I was thinking about the best for the team."

By his own admission, Gerrard has been below his best this season and the shock of being replaced by the young Brazilian Lucas Leiva in his hometown derby clearly had a major impact on the player. "I was hurt and disappointed at being taken off because I'm a local lad and the derby means everything to me," Gerrard admitted.

Benitez's squad is strengthened by the return of Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres, the Spain internationals who missed the 2-1 victory over Everton through injury. "Xabi and Fernando are important players so it is good to have them back," Benitez added.