It is believed that the players were informed of the news yesterday after training, and it is not expected that Ayesteran will be alongside Benitez in the dug-out for tomorrow’s home game with Derby.

Liverpool would not confirm any further details, although Benitez said: “Paco has told me he wants to leave, apart from that I cannot say any more. We will have to assess the situation.”

It is not known whether Ayesteran has been offered another job in Spain or whether he wants to return home for personal reasons.

But the disruption to Benitez’s backroom staff will be massive. Ayesteran has been in charge of fitness coaching, but also handles much of the squad administration.

Ayesteran’s departure comes at the same time as Benitez’s confirmed his decision not to risk skipper Steven Gerrard for tomorrow’s match.

Gerrard is recovering from a hairline toe fracture and has missed the last two Liverpool matches and the England friendly with Germany.

But Benitez confirmed that Gerrard will join up with England next week ahead of their two Euro 2008 qualifiers against Isreal and Russia.

But he said: “Steven wants to play, he wants to play against Derby as well. But I have had a meeting with him and he understands the risks.

“If he played against Derby he would need another pain-killing injection like he had to play against Chelsea. He then needed four or five days to recover.

“I understand how important his international career is to him and we will allow the England medical team to assess the situation.

“I will talk with Steve McClaren and our doctors will also have regular contact with their England counterparts.

“We will then all assess the situation as it progresses next week. My concern is that if we or England take risk with him, it could affect his whole season.

“We do not want him to miss a lot of games if there are more problems, and England must feel the same.”

Benitez’s side are still unbeaten this term and have started to make a genuine impression as potential title contenders.

With the Champions League just around the corner, this is a crucial time for both the club, as well as England.

Benitez said: “If we are to be real challengers then we have to win games we are expected to. But I have talked to the players and warned them that matches like Derby can be dangerous.

“They will be very committed and can produce a shock. We must not be complacent.

“People will say this should be three easy points, but I do not see it that way. Derby will be very dangerous opponents.

“As far as our chances of the title are concerned, it is too early to assess. Maybe in a month’s time if we are still unbeaten, it will then be possible to make an assessment of the situation.

“But we have a better squad here now and we have enough players to contest all the competitions.

“I know that our fans want us to win the title, although if you asked me I would also want to win the Champions League. But if I had a choice, then I would say the title is our priority now this season.”