Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Rafa: Torres In Contention For Spurs Start


After nursing his way back to match fitness following a hamstring injury, Spanish striker Fernando Torres may feature for Liverpool in Wednesday evening's Carling Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Fernando Torres' problematic hamstring has kept the Spaniard sidelined since mid October, but he may feature in Liverpool's fourth round Carling Cup tie on Wednesday evening against resurgent lily white side Tottenham Hotspur.

Manager Rafa Benitez confirmed today that his No 9 may even start the fixture.

"He will be in the squad and hopefully he can play. He could start," the Liverpool boss told the club's official website.

The Carling Cup traditionally provides Premier League sides a chance to rest their star players, rotate, and gives members of the top four an opportunity to groom their younger players.

"Gerrard will not be in the squad and neither will Keane," Benitez continued. "It's always difficult to play so many games in a row and you have to change some players depending on the competition. The majority of them can play games in a row but some need to be taken care of.

"Gerrard is one of them at this moment. Dirk Kuyt is another who has played almost every game. Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Keane are the same.

"You also have to consider that some of these players have played internationals this season too. I think Keane has played 23 games already," he said.

"We will use players who haven't played every game. I have confidence in them because they are all internationals."

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