Fernando Torres faces a make-or-break fitness test today for the match that will define the remainder of Liverpool’s season.
But Bernabeu match-winner Yossi Benayoun has handed a fresh injury headache to Anfield manager Rafael Benitez.
Torres has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury that forced him off during the 1-0 win over Real Madrid in their Champions League first knockout round first leg a fortnight ago.
Both the player and his manager expressed their confidence last week that the striker, who has undergone an intense rehabilitation programme, will line up against Real in tomorrow night’s Anfield return match.
But Benitez will only make a decision later today after putting Torres through his paces at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground.
The situation is similar to that of Steven Gerrard before the first leg in Madrid, with the skipper eventually only fit enough to appear for the closing moments of Liverpool’s win.
With Liverpool having fallen seven points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United, the Champions League once again seems the more likely route to silverware this season.
But one player definitely absent tomorrow is Benayoun, who is facing at least a fortnight on the sidelines after a training ground accident.
The Israeli international headed a famous winner at the Bernabeu but suffered what Liverpool fear is a hamstring tear after colliding with a team-mate during training.
Benayoun will undergo a scan on the damage today, and if the initial diagnosis is correct he will also miss Saturday’s visit to Old Trafford – a game that Liverpool must win to keep alive their faint title hopes – and could be a major doubt for the following weekend’s home game with Aston Villa.
The injury is a major blow to Benayoun, who has become an influential player for Benitez in recent weeks and was also on the scoresheet in last Wednesday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland.
Benitez is also sweating on the fitness of right-back Alvaro Arbeloa, who has also not played since appearing at the Bernabeu.
The Spanish defender returned to light training yesterday and has an outside chance of being available.
However, fellow defender Daniel Agger is unlikely to be fit as he recovers from a back problem.
But Bernabeu match-winner Yossi Benayoun has handed a fresh injury headache to Anfield manager Rafael Benitez.
Torres has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury that forced him off during the 1-0 win over Real Madrid in their Champions League first knockout round first leg a fortnight ago.
Both the player and his manager expressed their confidence last week that the striker, who has undergone an intense rehabilitation programme, will line up against Real in tomorrow night’s Anfield return match.
But Benitez will only make a decision later today after putting Torres through his paces at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground.
The situation is similar to that of Steven Gerrard before the first leg in Madrid, with the skipper eventually only fit enough to appear for the closing moments of Liverpool’s win.
With Liverpool having fallen seven points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United, the Champions League once again seems the more likely route to silverware this season.
But one player definitely absent tomorrow is Benayoun, who is facing at least a fortnight on the sidelines after a training ground accident.
The Israeli international headed a famous winner at the Bernabeu but suffered what Liverpool fear is a hamstring tear after colliding with a team-mate during training.
Benayoun will undergo a scan on the damage today, and if the initial diagnosis is correct he will also miss Saturday’s visit to Old Trafford – a game that Liverpool must win to keep alive their faint title hopes – and could be a major doubt for the following weekend’s home game with Aston Villa.
The injury is a major blow to Benayoun, who has become an influential player for Benitez in recent weeks and was also on the scoresheet in last Wednesday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland.
Benitez is also sweating on the fitness of right-back Alvaro Arbeloa, who has also not played since appearing at the Bernabeu.
The Spanish defender returned to light training yesterday and has an outside chance of being available.
However, fellow defender Daniel Agger is unlikely to be fit as he recovers from a back problem.
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