When we asked Robbie to come back we knew he had some problems Rafael Benitez

Fowler, 30, is out of contract in the summer after moving back to Anfield in January on a short-term deal.

"We need to decide soon and it will be good for him and us if the decision is made early on," said Benitez.

"I'm happy with him, the decision can possibly come before the end of the season. He is working every day and the physios are trying to get him fit."

Fowler scored his first goal since moving back to Liverpool from Manchester City in the win over Fulham last Wednesday.

But Benitez added that the decision would not be dependent on how many goals Fowler scores before the end of the season.

"The decision can possible come before the end of the season," added Benitez.

"I know that he can score goals but it is not a question of if he scores three, four or five.

"If he continues working like he is now then we will have a talk with him and decide.

"When we asked Robbie to come back we knew he had some problems but he wants to play for us.

"If he has the possibility to train in a whole pre-season he will be much better - but maybe you cannot wait until the pre-season because he needs to know and we need to know."