Fernando Torres is fit and raring to go in World Cup after injury-hit Liverpool FC season

FERNANDO TORRES has declared himself fighting fit for the start of the World Cup after scoring on his comeback for Spain.

The Liverpool striker made his first appearance since undergoing knee surgery in April as a 66th minute substitute for David Villa in their 6-0 friendly victory over Poland on Tuesday night.

Torres netted Spain’s fifth goal just 10 minutes later after coming on when he fired Pedro Rodriguez’s cross past Tomasz Kuszczak.

“I am very happy because now it is nearly two months after the surgery and I haven’t noticed any problems,” he said.

“It was a very important day to me because to play in the World Cup is most important.

“The minutes I played were useful to gain rhythm and to confirm that my knee is good. It was perfect and to get a goal as well, I’m very happy.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues for the support they have given me during this time.

“The injury has passed and now I’m able to help my team-mates, so it’s time to enjoy it.”

Torres was the only member of Vicente del Bosque’s 23-man squad who had yet to feature after warm-up wins over Saudi Arabia and South Korea in Austria.
Favourites Spain open their World Cup campaign against Switzerland in Durban on Wednesday, June 16. Torres added: “We have recuperated and our timing is there on the field. But the World Cup is very long and it will not be easy.”

Meanwhile, Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has a “minor muscle injury”, the team doctor has revealed.

Iniesta brilliantly set up two goals in the opening 15 minutes and was the star performer as Spain dominated the first half of their World Cup warm-up match against Poland in Murcia.

Spain eventually won 6-0, but Iniesta was forced off after 39 minutes after feeling discomfort in his thigh.

The Barca midfielder missed much of last season with a thigh injury and coach Vicente del Bosque was unwilling to take any risks.

“The substitution was a precaution,” Del Bosque said after the match. “The doctors will examine him.”

However, Dr Oscar Celada revealed that Iniesta does have a slight injury.

“We substituted him because he had some discomfort in the back part of the thigh,” said the team doctor. He didn’t notice any tear and it has not got any worse.”