Rafael Benitez refused to promise Fernando Torres a regular starting place despite seeing the Spaniard score his first Liverpool hat trick in its League Cup third round win at Reading.
Benitez sparked an angry reaction from Liverpool fans by resting Torres for Liverpool's recent goalless Premier League draws with Portsmouth and Birmingham.
But the 26 million pound striker responded by inspiring Liverpool to a 4-2 win at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday.
"With Fernando's pace you know he will kill defenders and he had a terrific game," said Benitez.
"If he is not injured and if he keeps training well, maybe he will start the game against Wigan on Saturday.
"We have four good strikers and I need to watch all of them. If you play well you have got a chance and as a manager you have to make difficult decisions."
Israel international Yossi Benayoun put Liverpool in front with his first goal since a summer move from West Ham in the 22nd minute, capping a fine solo run with a powerful finish from the edge of the penalty area.
Bobby Convey drew Reading level with his first goal after a year out with a knee injury just seven minutes later.
Torres restored Liverpool's lead five minutes into the second half with the first goal of his classy treble, holding off Michael Duberry's challenge before side-footing into the bottom left corner.
Benitez sparked an angry reaction from Liverpool fans by resting Torres for Liverpool's recent goalless Premier League draws with Portsmouth and Birmingham.
But the 26 million pound striker responded by inspiring Liverpool to a 4-2 win at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday.
"With Fernando's pace you know he will kill defenders and he had a terrific game," said Benitez.
"If he is not injured and if he keeps training well, maybe he will start the game against Wigan on Saturday.
"We have four good strikers and I need to watch all of them. If you play well you have got a chance and as a manager you have to make difficult decisions."
Israel international Yossi Benayoun put Liverpool in front with his first goal since a summer move from West Ham in the 22nd minute, capping a fine solo run with a powerful finish from the edge of the penalty area.
Bobby Convey drew Reading level with his first goal after a year out with a knee injury just seven minutes later.
Torres restored Liverpool's lead five minutes into the second half with the first goal of his classy treble, holding off Michael Duberry's challenge before side-footing into the bottom left corner.
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