Source: Daily_Mail
Torres targets shock return in crunch clash at Manchester City
Boost: Liverpool's Fernando Torres has been given the go-ahead to step up his recovery programme[LNB] Fernando Torres has stepped up his fight for fitness and started running again in an attempt to make a shock return to Liverpool's line-up against fourth-placed rivals Manchester City.[LNB] Liverpool's £21million record signing was expected to be out until the beginning of next month but has set his sights on the crucial Eastlands showdown with City a week on Sunday after a significant breakthrough in his recovery programme.[LNB] Manager Rafa Benitez has repeatedly refused to put a date on Torres' likely return but has been hugely encouraged by signs the Spain striker is finally ready to start working his way back to match fitness.[LNB] Inactive for almost a month, after hobbling off with a torn cartilage in the early stages of Liverpool's FA Cup defeat by Reading, Torres was given the all-clear to begin running on Tuesday and was seen lapping the pitches at their Melwood training headquarters without any ill-effects.[LNB] Benitez may now face a difficult decision, as he weighs the benefits of Torres' matchwinning flair against the risk of aggravating his injury in a match that could have a considerable bearing on who finishes fourth in the Barclays Premier League and claims the final place in next season's Champions' League.[LNB] City pose the biggest threat to Liverpool's hopes, and Benitez is certain to be tempted to include Torres after losing at Arsenal on Wednesday night and seeing his side fail to score for the second time in four games. [LNB] Krasic won't be following Jovanovic to Liverpool, claims star's agentSteven Gerrard: Liverpool captain, England international... and serial diver[LNB] [LNB]
