Liverpool set to rest Torres as old boy Owen sits out crucial Anfield clash

02 May 2009 23:26
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will give Newcastle United's Alan Shearer a huge boost in his battle against relegation by leaving out star striker Fernando Torres for today's critical game between the teams at Anfield.[LNB]While Shearer takes the biggest gamble of his short managerial career by selecting unsung Dane Peter Lovenkrands ahead of England striker Michael Owen, he will be heartened by the news that his struggling defenders will not have to cope with Torres.[LNB]The £25 million Spaniard suffered a recurrence of a hamstring problem in training this week. Benitez is reluctant to risk him for a match he believes Liverpool can win anyway and is hoping that Torres will recover to play in Liverpool's final three games of the season.[LNB][LNB] Risky: Benitez leaves out Torres to avoid further injuryand believes Liverpool can overcome Newcastle without him[LNB] Shearer, whose side are rooted in the Premier League relegation zonewith just four games left, is desperate for a first win since taking onhis rescue mission at St James' Park.[LNB]He received another glimmer of good news yesterday whenMiddlesbrough crashed 2-0 at home to leaders Manchester United, aresult that leaves Sir Alex Ferguson's side needing seven points toretain the title.[LNB]Ryan Giggs, controversially named the PFA Player of the Year last week, opened the scoring and Ji-sung Park added the second.[LNB] Benitez fearful of Shearer's Newcastle passion playI considered moving to Chelsea, says Liverpool skipper GerrardLIVERPOOL FC

Source: Daily_Mail