Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

• Ground:Anfield
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Stuttering Reds without Torres

02 Mar 2009 - 13:53:05

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed that Spain international striker Fernando Torres will play no part in the midweek Premier League clash with Sunderland.

Torres suffered a twisted ankle in last week's Champions League win against Real Madrid and was forced to miss Saturday's shock 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough.

However, captain Steven Gerrard looks set to face the Black Cats despite having to be substituted at the Riverside Stadium after suffering with cramp.

Benitez confirmed to the club's official website: "Stevie was okay and will hopefully be available tomorrow.

"However, Torres is not ready yet. We have to wait to see how he progresses but he won't be in the squad.

"Arbeloa has a problem with his hamstring. He's had the problem before. It could be another week."

Meanwhile, Benitez has demanded a big improvement from his side following their setback on Teesside, only the Reds' second Premier League defeat of the campaign.

He added: "We were talking in training about improving, showing character. We want a reaction from them and hopefully we'll see this.

"We can talk and talk about the gap to United but we have to get three points against Sunderland and then see what happens with them.

"We had chances on Saturday but after the first goal we were more nervous and anxious. After the second we started making more mistakes and it wasn't good enough.

"I was really disappointed and the players were also. But in training in the days after you cannot change what's happened - you just have to concentrate on Sunderland.

"We have to improve and show character to try to get the three points. Everyone knows how important the game is."