Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez's absence from the club will not hamper their preparations for the Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday, according to assistant manager Sammy Lee.

Lee has taken on first-team responsibilities while Benítez recovers from a minor operation to remove kidney stones. "We have already planned what we are going to do so we will just be sticking to that," Lee told the club's official website.

"Everyone knows exactly what we will be doing and the important thing is that we all muck in together and keep things running as normal while we are without the boss. It will be all hands to the pump but one of the good things about this club is the way everyone pulls together when it matters. The main man may not be here but we have to keep things going so he can just pick up from where he left off when he comes back."

Lee added ahead of the league leader's game at the Emirates: "Everyone is hoping the boss recovers quickly because Rafa's health and wellbeing is the most important thing. He is a massive presence at the club, so we all want to see him back here as soon as he is well enough. But in the meantime it's business as usual."

Benítez is expected to return to work in the next two days after being taken ill on Sunday.