Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of star striker Fernando Torres after he was replaced at half-time during the Spain clash with Italy following a challenge from Azzurri defender Marco Materazzi.
The Spaniard had scans on rib and ankle injuries following Liverpool's match against Manchester United at the weekend and, following a session with the national team's physio on Monday, only returned to training on Tuesday.
The Italian defender's lunge looked to connect with Torres' right ankle - the same one that had concerned the striker following the game at Old Trafford.
Torres had been at the centre of a row during the incident-packed United match with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez saying after the match that the forward was substituted for his own protection following some hefty challenges from the United defenders.
Liverpool will now have to wait for the 24-year-old to return from international duty so that he can be assessed by club doctors.
An injury to the striker, who has spearheaded the Reds attack with 27 goals so far this season, would be a serious blow to Liverpool at this key stage of the season.
Their next four games are Sunday's Merseyside derby before three matches against Arsenal including the Champions League quarter-final ties.
David Villa hit a spectacular volley to earn Spain a 1-0 win over world champions Italy.
The Valencia striker, who replaced Torres at half-time, fired the ball into the top corner past Gianluigi Buffon 13 minutes from time after Fabio Cannavaro had failed to get enough distance with his headed clearance.
The Spaniard had scans on rib and ankle injuries following Liverpool's match against Manchester United at the weekend and, following a session with the national team's physio on Monday, only returned to training on Tuesday.
The Italian defender's lunge looked to connect with Torres' right ankle - the same one that had concerned the striker following the game at Old Trafford.
Torres had been at the centre of a row during the incident-packed United match with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez saying after the match that the forward was substituted for his own protection following some hefty challenges from the United defenders.
Liverpool will now have to wait for the 24-year-old to return from international duty so that he can be assessed by club doctors.
An injury to the striker, who has spearheaded the Reds attack with 27 goals so far this season, would be a serious blow to Liverpool at this key stage of the season.
Their next four games are Sunday's Merseyside derby before three matches against Arsenal including the Champions League quarter-final ties.
David Villa hit a spectacular volley to earn Spain a 1-0 win over world champions Italy.
The Valencia striker, who replaced Torres at half-time, fired the ball into the top corner past Gianluigi Buffon 13 minutes from time after Fabio Cannavaro had failed to get enough distance with his headed clearance.
1 comment:
I think Torres will be OK for Sunday according to the latest reports, which is good news. I was slightly concerned (as am sure Rafa was too) that he started the Spain game after the knocks he picked up against United but it looks like he's going to be ok to take on Everton and get the season back on track after Sunday's 'blip'!
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