Rafael Benitez is ready to throw Fernando Torres straight back into derby battle – despite admitting he will rotate his Liverpool squad for Sunday’s FA Cup tie.
The Anfield manager is expected to make a raft of changes for the home fourth round clash against neighbours Everton.
However, Torres is almost certain to retain his place in attack after making his first start since November in Monday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield against their Merseyside rivals.
The Spaniard enjoyed an 85-minute run-out in which only the width of the post prevented him from scoring in a third successive derby.
And Benitez said: “I was impressed with him on Monday.
“It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well.
“He is very close to full fitness – now it’s just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.
“You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That’s the key – getting the confidence. The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. Hopefully he can score this weekend.”
While Torres seems likely to stay in attack, the likes of Diego Cavalieri, Andrea Dossena, Lucas Leiva, Javier Mascherano, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun are hopeful of a recall.
Alvaro Arbeloa and Daniel Agger will also be considered if they recover from their respective hamstring and calf problems, and Benitez accepts he has one eye on the Premier League clash against Wigan Athletic three days later.
“We have plenty of time before the game but we have to think about Wigan and Chelsea,” said the Spaniard. “Anyway, I think we have enough quality in the squad.”
Liverpool were three minutes away from a fourth successive derby triumph when, after Benayoun fouled Victor Anichebe, Tim Cahill headed in from Mikel Arteta’s free-kick.
Benitez has warned against a repeat on Sunday, and said: “We had to be careful and not commit silly fouls, and then after we had to defend the set-piece.”
The Anfield manager is expected to make a raft of changes for the home fourth round clash against neighbours Everton.
However, Torres is almost certain to retain his place in attack after making his first start since November in Monday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield against their Merseyside rivals.
The Spaniard enjoyed an 85-minute run-out in which only the width of the post prevented him from scoring in a third successive derby.
And Benitez said: “I was impressed with him on Monday.
“It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well.
“He is very close to full fitness – now it’s just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.
“You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That’s the key – getting the confidence. The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. Hopefully he can score this weekend.”
While Torres seems likely to stay in attack, the likes of Diego Cavalieri, Andrea Dossena, Lucas Leiva, Javier Mascherano, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun are hopeful of a recall.
Alvaro Arbeloa and Daniel Agger will also be considered if they recover from their respective hamstring and calf problems, and Benitez accepts he has one eye on the Premier League clash against Wigan Athletic three days later.
“We have plenty of time before the game but we have to think about Wigan and Chelsea,” said the Spaniard. “Anyway, I think we have enough quality in the squad.”
Liverpool were three minutes away from a fourth successive derby triumph when, after Benayoun fouled Victor Anichebe, Tim Cahill headed in from Mikel Arteta’s free-kick.
Benitez has warned against a repeat on Sunday, and said: “We had to be careful and not commit silly fouls, and then after we had to defend the set-piece.”
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