LIVERPOOL will not jeopardise Fernando Torres recovery from his persistent groin injury by rushing him into action ahead of time.
There was some speculation last night Torres had followed team-mates Yossi Benayoun, Albert Riera, Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio to Belgrade to see radical therapist Mariana Kovacevic.
That was not true, as Torres has spent all week at Melwood receiving treatment on his groin and has taken part in a couple of solo training sessions – although he has done some ball work, it has been away from the rest of the first team.
He is making pleasing progress and will continue to be monitored by boss Rafa Benitez and the club’s medical staff ahead of tomorrow’s crucial fixture with Manchester City at Anfield.
It is highly unlikely, however, that he will be involved in the squad, as the Reds intend to heed the advice they were given when Torres flew to Valencia earlier this month for a second opinion on his injury off renowned specialist Ramon Cugat.
He told Liverpool that Torres needed a three-week break from football and so far, it is 17 days since his last appearance during the 1-1 draw with Lyon in the Champions League.
Provided all goes according to plan, the Spanish striker – who was forced to miss the 2-2 draw with Birmingham and his country’s 2-1 win over Argentina last Saturday – should be back in contention for the trip to Goodison Park.
Benitez will at least have skipper Steven Gerrard fit to start a Premier League game for the first time since October 4 tomorrow, while late checks will be made on Benayoun and Riera, who were expected to be out for a month after tearing their hamstrings.
They, though, have responded positively to having the injury treated with liquid from a horse’s placenta, as has Johnson, who should start at right-back now he has recovered from his own hamstring problem.
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