Fernando Torres is taking a cautious approach towards proving his fitness for Monday’s Merseyside derby.
The league meeting at Anfield is the first of two in a week against neighbours Everton with the FA Cup fourth round tie following on the Sunday.
But Torres is hesitant to commit himself to starting in either of those games, despite his encouraging return from the hamstring injury that ruled him out for the whole of December.
The Spaniard, who was voted third in the FIFA world player of the year awards on Monday, made a goalscoring return during a 15-minute sub appearance against Preston in the FA Cup and he also came on in the later stages of the 0-0 draw at Stoke on Saturday.
Torres insists he is itching to get back into the starting line-up, but is doubtful that he can complete a full game.
“Of course I want to be in the first XI,” he said.
“I don’t know if I can play 90 minutes yet but for sure I can be in the squad.
“I feel much better, and I hope to come back to play in the first XI as soon as possible. Then I can forget the injuries and start to play again for Liverpool who are in a very good position this year.
“I didn’t do pre-season properly after the Euros, the season started too soon and you are trying to keep the best physical stamina but it’s difficult when you have to play three games a week. Now I want to stay a perfect 100%, and not get injured again.”
Torres has scored three times in his two previous Merseyside derby appearances, including both goals in the 2-0 victory at Goodison in September.
On that occasion he partnered Robbie Keane up front and it was the Irishman’s cross that teed up the opening goal.
Torres felt that game proved they could function together as a partnership although they haven’t had chance to strike up any kind of understanding due to his injury problems and the fact that Keane has struggled to guarantee himself a starting place.
But it doesn’t stop him expressing confidence that they can both make a impact when selected in the same side.
Torres said: “Yes, sure we can play together – but the boss decides, he’s the manager and he’s a fantastic manager.
“Sometimes not all the players can play together in the same team.
“But I have played with Robbie a lot of times and we’ve scored goals when we’ve played together.
“I think we are going to play together, but it will be depending on the game,” he added.
The league meeting at Anfield is the first of two in a week against neighbours Everton with the FA Cup fourth round tie following on the Sunday.
But Torres is hesitant to commit himself to starting in either of those games, despite his encouraging return from the hamstring injury that ruled him out for the whole of December.
The Spaniard, who was voted third in the FIFA world player of the year awards on Monday, made a goalscoring return during a 15-minute sub appearance against Preston in the FA Cup and he also came on in the later stages of the 0-0 draw at Stoke on Saturday.
Torres insists he is itching to get back into the starting line-up, but is doubtful that he can complete a full game.
“Of course I want to be in the first XI,” he said.
“I don’t know if I can play 90 minutes yet but for sure I can be in the squad.
“I feel much better, and I hope to come back to play in the first XI as soon as possible. Then I can forget the injuries and start to play again for Liverpool who are in a very good position this year.
“I didn’t do pre-season properly after the Euros, the season started too soon and you are trying to keep the best physical stamina but it’s difficult when you have to play three games a week. Now I want to stay a perfect 100%, and not get injured again.”
Torres has scored three times in his two previous Merseyside derby appearances, including both goals in the 2-0 victory at Goodison in September.
On that occasion he partnered Robbie Keane up front and it was the Irishman’s cross that teed up the opening goal.
Torres felt that game proved they could function together as a partnership although they haven’t had chance to strike up any kind of understanding due to his injury problems and the fact that Keane has struggled to guarantee himself a starting place.
But it doesn’t stop him expressing confidence that they can both make a impact when selected in the same side.
Torres said: “Yes, sure we can play together – but the boss decides, he’s the manager and he’s a fantastic manager.
“Sometimes not all the players can play together in the same team.
“But I have played with Robbie a lot of times and we’ve scored goals when we’ve played together.
“I think we are going to play together, but it will be depending on the game,” he added.
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