Source: Daily_Mail
Benitez ready to take Real gamble on 'injured' Torres
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits he is 'pushing' Fernando Torres into facing Real Madrid on Tuesday night as he seeks the result that could secure his own long-term future at Anfield.
Benitez rarely takes a gamble on players' injuries, but he is prepared to make an exception for Torres, who left the Bernabeu with his ankle in a cast a fortnight ago following Liverpool's 1-0 first-leg win over Real.
With only Ryan Babel and the inexperienced David Ngog as cover up front for Torres, Benitez is desperate for Spain's Euro 2008 winner to play at Anfield, even if it means him missing the Premier League encounter at Old Trafford four days later.
He said: 'We are pushing Torres and are trying to get him fit for the game. He is very important to us. I imagine Torres also wants to finish off the job. The Liverpool win was the first time he had tasted success against Real Madrid.'
Torres, who started his career at Real's Madrid rivals Atletico, said: 'I am optimistic I will be ready for Real Madrid and hope the ankle holds out so I will also be at Manchester United.'
First-leg match-winner Yossi Benayoun admitted: 'It is obvious to everyone, including us players, Torres and Steven Gerrard are our main men. They are the big stars so, of course, we depend on them.'
