Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists his team will be fully prepared for their Europa League semifinal first leg at Atletico Madrid despite facing disruption over their travel.

UEFA confirmed on Friday that the game will go ahead even though clubs' travel plans have been wrecked by the cloud of volcanic ash over Iceland.

The Reds were due to get a train to London on Tuesday with the prospect of either flying on to Spain or taking a further train as far as Bordeaux and flying from there.

Benitez was annoyed at having to play against West Ham on Monday night, which the Reds won 3-0, but is adamant that his players will be ready to take on Atletico.

He said: "There are not too many options but it could have been called off but also I don't like Mondays so to play on Mondays is not the best option for us but we have to manage now.

"It's well organised so we'll have some time and we have to be there early but we can do it. The people are working behind the scenes preparing everything and they are doing a good job.

"We will have not too many days to be ready for an important game but hopefully the journey will be good. Everything is ready and the players will be fresh."

Star striker Fernando Torres has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his knee.

Benitez is sure that the striker will be ready to feature for the Spain at the World Cup in South Africa in June.