Liverpool Football Club News

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• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

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Rafa eyes Torres return

24 Oct 2007 - 10:12:06

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez remains hopeful that Fernando Torres will have recovered from a thigh injury in time to play in the vital Premier League clash with table-topping Arsenal on Sunday.

The Spain international missed the 2-1 win at Everton with the problem and did not travel with the rest of the Reds squad for Wednesday's Champions League match at Besiktas.

Benitez said: "I was talking with the doctor. It was impossible for this game but hopefully he will be available for Sunday."

Of Wednesday's game in Istanbul, the former Valencia coach added: "I am really pleased to be here. I have very good memories.

"I think always in the Champions League you are thinking about winning every game because it is a short competition - so really we are under the same pressure as before.

"We know Marseille was a bad result but we are talking about just two games we've played. If we win this game things will look better. If we do the right things we know we are strong. We just have to do our job, it's simple.

"Our players have experience in Europe, so it won't be a problem. It's good for our opponents to have the supporters behind them, but for us it is not a problem.

"We will try to win, of course. Sometimes that will mean attacking, sometimes counter-attacking. We have enough power to create chances but if we need to wait we have different options.

"Besiktas need to win as well, that's another thing. Their supporters will be pushing for that and they will need to go forward. So, it may be easier for us to be patient."