Liverpool too reliant on Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, says Gianfranco Zola

Both players have spent time in the treatment room and Liverpool have suffered as a result by fading from the race for a Champions League place. West Ham United travel to Anfield tonight knowing that Torres is out because of a knee injury and Zola offers a simple explanation for Liverpool's problems this season.  Related ArticlesLiverpool v West Ham: previewAlan Hansen: United title is Liverpool fans' nightmareHicks wants £800m for LiverpoolNew questions at LiverpoolLiverpool sale Q&ALiverpool owners put club up for sale"Gerrard and Torres are massive players, when they are on the pitch it makes a big difference to Liverpool," he said. "It's a pity they haven't been available for the whole season because of injuries and Liverpool's problems lie within that. "Liverpool don't have the same number of players as Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea. "When they are in good form they can be a really good team. They can stand with United and Chelsea. "But Torres has had too many injuries and it's a big ask for them without him." Zola insists Liverpool, who are scheduled to play the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday, remain dangerous even without Torres. "Liverpool can still cause us problems. Torres is a big asset but I like David Ngog, he can be a problem for us," he said. "We don't have to think about Torres' injury being an advantage for us, we still need to perform and do very well." A wave of optimism has swept through Upton Park since four points were secured in the last two matches against Everton and Sunderland. And Zola credits a desire to roll up the sleeves for the change in fortunes. "The last few games haven't been pretty but the work rate and desire has been top class and that's why we will get important points," he added.

Source: Telegraph