Liverpool FC star Fernando Torres doubt for the Merseyside derby at Everton

Fernando Torres 300* KEEP up-to-date with all the latest LFC news by following us on Twitter hereFERNANDO TORRES faces a race against time to be fit for the Merseyside derby after it was confirmed he has suffered an adductor strain.The Liverpool striker picked up the injury in the early stages of Sunday's dismal 2-1 home defeat against Blackpool and underwent a scan at Melwood yesterday.Fears he may have torn his groin were allayed but the strain has forced him to withdraw from the Spain squad for their Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania and Scotland. Torres will remain at Melwood during the international break to undergo treatment and is a major doubt for the crunch showdown with Everton at Goodison Park on October 17.Liverpool's head of sports medicine and sports science Dr Peter Brukner said: 'Fernando will have intensive treatment over the next couple of weeks but it is too early to say if he will be fit for the game against Everton.'It's another setback for the 26-year-old frontman who has been dogged by a catalogue of injury problems.Torres only recently returned to full fitness following a groin strain picked up in the World Cup final in July and he missed the end of last season for the Reds after undergoing knee surgery.The former Atletico Madrid star has struggled for form so far this season and has netted just once for the Reds in nine appearances.

Source: Liverpool_Echo