Fernando Torres to be nursed through Liverpool FC games

03 November 2009 08:00
RAFA BENITEZ will nurse Fernando Torres through a series of crucial fixtures to prevent his star striker requiring an operation.[LNB]Liverpool's number nine was part of the Reds' squad that flew out to Lyon today and he will start their crucial Champions League fixture in Stade Gerland.[LNB]The groin problem that he has been carrying for the past month, though, means it is going to be difficult for him to see out 90 minutes and has presented Benitez with a dilemma.[LNB]If Torres' condition deteriorates, the only way to cure it will be through surgery and Benitez can ill-afford to lose his main goal threat for a lengthy amount of time.[LNB]He is already facing up to fears Steven Gerrard - who has stayed on Merseyside - will be forced to go under the knife to cure a groin problem that has limited him to just 25 minutes of action in the last month.[LNB]Torres has at least shown signs of responding to treatment and the more Benitez manages the situation - as he did when taking the Spaniard off at Fulham on Saturday - the better his prospects of avoiding surgery will be.[LNB]'We have to take Fernando to Lyon because we don't have too many options,' said Benitez.[LNB]'We have to keep working with him and the rest of the players.'[LNB]Benitez, whose side must beat Lyon to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages, will have a few more options available after being deprived of 11 players at Craven Cottage.[LNB]Alberto Aquilani has recovered from the virus that ruled him out but the best the Italian midfielder can hope for is a place on the bench.

Source: Liverpool_Echo