Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool relief as Fernando Torres is ruled out of Spain squad for friendlies
Spain have done Liverpool a favour by leaving Fernando Torres out of their squad to face Argentina and Austria.[LNB]The striker is understood to have been told he needs three week's rest to recover from an injured groin but could still be risked when Liverpool face Birmingham at Anfield on Monday night.[LNB]Torres had been keen to face Argentina on Saturday at the Vicente Calderon stadium, which the 25-year-old called home before leaving Atletico Madrid for the Barclays Premier League in 2007.[LNB] Playing through the pain: Fernando Torres has been deployed by Liverpool despite a painful groin injury[LNB]However, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque revealed he had come to an agreement with Liverpool.[LNB]'We spoke to him (Torres), we spoke to Rafa Benitez and we cameto the conclusion it's better not to force him,' said Del Bosque. 'We don't want to push him, we want him to recover.'[LNB]The decision is in stark contrast to the stand-off between Real Madrid and Portugal over the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo, who hasn't played since September because of an ankle injury.[LNB]Portugal have called up Ronaldo for the World Cup qualification play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina despite Madrid insisting their star player is in no position to play.[LNB]Jesus Navas earned his first call-up with the European champions, having been passed over before because of the Sevilla winger's anxiety worries over long journeys to away matches.[LNB]Del Bosque said: 'The last coach (Luis Aragones) considered using him (Navas), but it was his personal circumstances that prevented it from happening.[LNB]'We've gone through the necessary steps and we think he is in the right conditions to come with us now, also consideringthe type of games we are facing.'[LNB] Off to a flyer: Jesus Navas (left) has impressed for Sevilla this season[LNB]The European champions welcome Diego Maradona's Argentina in a showpiece match celebrate the Spanish federation's 100th anniversary. [LNB]Four days later, they will return to Vienna for the first time since the Euro 2008 triumph.[LNB]Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina and Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas have been called up.[LNB]SQUAD - Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Diego Lopez (Villarreal).[LNB]Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Raul Albiol (RealMadrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao),Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol(Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).[LNB]Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets(Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona),Andres Iniesta (Barcelona).[LNB]Strikers: Pablo Hernandez (Valencia), Dani Guiza (Fenerbache),Juanma Mata (Valencia), David Silva (Valencia), David Villa (Valencia),Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Jesus Navas (Sevilla).[LNB] Rafa Benitez backing Liverpool players to bounce back against BirminghamAquilani set for Anfield bow against Birmingham on Monday nightLiverpool chief Tom Hicks insists: We don't have to sell Gerrard and TorresTorres needs a three-week rest but Reds boss Rafa's ready to risk himLIVERPOOL FC
