Benitez added that his Villa counterpart Martin O'Neill was aware of the situation.

BBC: Benitez defends Carson valuation

"You have seen that with regard to Chelsea before, spending big money, " added Benitez.

BBC: Man Utd money the key - Benitez

"We were thinking about bringing in players with quality - that's the first thing, " added Benitez.

BBC: Johnson completes Liverpool move

"On an economic level we cannot fight with the other big teams, at least for now, in particular because of the stadium, " added Benitez.

BBC: Ferguson & Benitez must 'move on'

"I'm sorry for the fans that we can't bring Gerrard but he is the captain of the team so he is a key player for the rest of the season, " added Benitez.

BBC: Skrtel injury worry for Liverpool

"There are other players with other problems, I have no idea what team I can put out against Manchester United until we have had the players tested and seen by the medical team, " added Benitez.

CNN: Under-pressure Benitez rues Reds injury list

Benitez's comments added fuel to the ongoing feud between the two managers as they have traded blows while their teams have battled for the league crown.

BBC: Ferguson & Benitez must 'move on'

The Reds also lost midfielder Steve Gerrard against Lyon after just 25 minutes with a suspected recurrence of a groin injury which has added to Benitez's casualty list.

CNN: Under-pressure Benitez rues Reds injury list

Instead, Benitez wants to sign players and added: "We are still looking for new players, everybody knows what we are looking for now better than me!"

BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Liverpool | Alonso dismisses link with Real

But manager Rafael Benitez says Liverpool always knew of Aquilani's injury problem and added the club can cope without him for the beginning of the season.

BBC: Liverpool sign Aquilani from Roma