Liverpool striker Fernando Torres could return to action as early as next week, according the Spaniard's specialist.
The 26-year-old has undergone treatment from Dr Ramon Cugat in Spain after a knee problem kept him out of Sunday's 0-0 draw with Fulham.
The Reds play West Ham in the Premier League on Monday and Cugat said: "The problem's not serious but he needs to stop and rest to avoid more risk.
"But in normal circumstances, he could be ready to play next week."
Torres, who joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in 2007, has been beset by various injuries this season.
He was sidelined for a month after a knee operation in January and before Christmas struggled with a groin injury.
Cugat, who supervised the striker's return from recent hamstring trouble, told the Liverpool Echo of the latest problem: "It depends how it settles down.
"The decision is now up to Liverpool's medical staff and the manager."
Another significant match for Liverpool is the Europa League semi-final first leg at Torres' former club Atletico Madrid on 22 April.
Torres, who has scored 22 goals in all competitions this season, is an integral part of Liverpool's plans, but manager Rafael Benitez has admitted his side are virtually out of the Champions League qualifying race.
"To finish in the top four is now very difficult," said Benitez. "The difference is maybe too much."
The Reds boss has always vowed that the Merseysiders would finish in the top four in the Premier League, but that promise now looks unlikely to be fulfilled with his side six points behind fourth-place Manchester City having played one game more.
"We know the fourth position is a little bit far away," added Benitez, whose team has been devilled by inconsistency this season.
"We have to keep going but two or three teams have to make mistakes."
The 26-year-old has undergone treatment from Dr Ramon Cugat in Spain after a knee problem kept him out of Sunday's 0-0 draw with Fulham.
The Reds play West Ham in the Premier League on Monday and Cugat said: "The problem's not serious but he needs to stop and rest to avoid more risk.
"But in normal circumstances, he could be ready to play next week."
Torres, who joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in 2007, has been beset by various injuries this season.
He was sidelined for a month after a knee operation in January and before Christmas struggled with a groin injury.
Cugat, who supervised the striker's return from recent hamstring trouble, told the Liverpool Echo of the latest problem: "It depends how it settles down.
"The decision is now up to Liverpool's medical staff and the manager."
Another significant match for Liverpool is the Europa League semi-final first leg at Torres' former club Atletico Madrid on 22 April.
Torres, who has scored 22 goals in all competitions this season, is an integral part of Liverpool's plans, but manager Rafael Benitez has admitted his side are virtually out of the Champions League qualifying race.
"To finish in the top four is now very difficult," said Benitez. "The difference is maybe too much."
The Reds boss has always vowed that the Merseysiders would finish in the top four in the Premier League, but that promise now looks unlikely to be fulfilled with his side six points behind fourth-place Manchester City having played one game more.
"We know the fourth position is a little bit far away," added Benitez, whose team has been devilled by inconsistency this season.
"We have to keep going but two or three teams have to make mistakes."
No comments:
Post a Comment