Injured Yossi knew he was taking risk

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun says the fact that he would risk his own health to help his country out contributed to his decision to play in Israel’s 1-1 draw with Greece on Saturday.

Benayoun has missed the last few games for Liverpool, but returned to play for his country at the weekend against the Reds’ wishes.

After 72 minutes, he was stretchered off and could face more time on the sidelines, missing Israel’s mid-week return clash against the Greeks. He explained, ‘œI 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.

‘œI had a little problem with Liverpool. They didn’t really want me to come to Israel. But as long as I know I will be able to give 100 per cent I will play, even if it means risking my health.’