Everton are increasingly confident that Yerry Mina will be fit to return to the side after the international break.
The Colombian centre-half has missed the Blues' last three Premier League matches because of a hamstring problem.
And with Mason Holgate facing a three-game ban after picking up a red card in the draw with Tottenham Hotspur, Everton's centre-back options are thin.
But Benitez is confident that Mina will be fit enough to begin training with the rest of the squad next week and, therefore, be ready to face Manchester City later this month.
"Yerry is close but we didn't have time for this game," Benitez said after the 0-0 stalemate with Spurs.
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"But he is very close.
"In a few days, hopefully he can join the team and start training and then we will see how he is progressing.
"But I am optimistic about Yerry and we will see if he's fine."
