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Rafa downplays Torres blow

01 Sep 2008 - 07:42:39

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is confident that the hamstring injury suffered by star striker Fernando Torres during the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa is not too serious.

Torres lasted just half an hour of the Villa Park clash, but Benitez is hopeful that the Spain international will not miss any games for the Reds, with a two-week international break coming up.

He said: "As regards Torres we will have to wait and see how serious the injury is. He will have a scan.

"Clearly when you lose Steven Gerrard and then you lose Torres, it is always a problem.

"The only positive news is to have an international break now. At least they will have time to recover and we will see.

"It will be 10-15 days and Gerrard can maybe lose only one game. Torres could be more or less the same. It will be important to lose them for one game, but not the worst situation."

Benitez also confirmed that he expects to tie up the signing of Espanyol winger Albert Riera on Monday, while Xabi Alonso is almost certain to remain at Anfield.

He added: "The deal for Riera is nearly done. We are waiting and hopefully it will be done. I have confidence that it will.

"It can improve us and give us a bit of balance. I also think that Alonso will be staying."