Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Birming City

It's a sad and sorry looking Liverpool side that play host to Birmingham City on Monday night as round 12 of the Premier League draws to a close.

The Reds' 3-1 reverse at Fulham last weekend took their tally to five losses in 11 league games this season - an alarming figure, considering that they suffered just two defeats in the entirety of the previous campaign.

And their woes aren't confined to the domestic scene, as Lisandro Lopez's late equaliser for Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday night has left the Merseyside club relying on Fiorentina's results as the two teams battle for a place in the Champions League knockout round.

Rafael Benitez and his crew have collected just one win - against Manchester United, no less - from their last eight games in all competitions, and they simply cannot afford another slip-up when Brum come to visit.

Alex McLeish's side boast an indifferent record on the road this season, although their spirited display at home to a Shay Given-inspired Manchester City last week showed that they are well capable of mixing it with the big boys.

Still, the Blues sit just one point above the relegation zone, and the one thing Liverpool have got right this season is dispatching the 'lesser' teams when they visit Anfield - as Stoke City (4-0), Burnley (4-0) and Hull City (6-1) all found out the hard way.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Nov 4 Olympique Lyonnais 1-1 Liverpool (Champions League)
Oct 31 Fulham 3-1 Liverpool
Oct 28 Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool (League Cup)
Oct 25 Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United
Oct 20 Liverpool 1-2 Olympique Lyonnais (Champions League)

Birmingham City

Nov 1 Birmingham City 0-0 Manchester City
Oct 24 Birmingham City 2-1 Sunderland
Oct 17 Arsenal 3-1 Birmingham City
Oct 3 Burnley 2-1 Birmingham City
Sep 26 Birmingham City 1-2 Bolton Wanderers


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Jamie Carragher and Philipp Degen are both suspended after picking up red cards in the defeat at Craven Cottage last weekend, leaving Benitez with something of a problem in defence. With Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly both battling injury, young Stephen Darby looks like the only option at right-back.

However, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio are available once more after shaking off their respective problems, while Alberto Aquilani could make his long-awaited Premier League debut from the bench.

Fernando Torres is expected to start despite his well-documented hernia troubles, but neither Steven Gerrard nor Albert Riera will feature.

Last starting XI (vs. Olympique Lyonnais): Reina, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Lucas, Mascherano, Benayoun, Voronin, Torres.

Birmingham City

The visitors' chances will be hampered by the absence of Barry Ferguson, who foolishly bought a second booking late on against Man City for impeding a throw-in. Lee Carsley could replace the Scot in midfield.

Irish wide-man Keith Fahey picked up a knee knock in training and faces a race to pass fit in time, while Garry O'Connor is struggling with a groin problem.

Joe Hart wasn't eligible to face his parent club last time out, but the young goalkeeper is in danger of sitting out once again after Maik Taylor's heroics against the Citizens.

Last starting XI (vs. Manchester City): Taylor, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Larsson, Bowyer, Ferguson, McFadden, Benitez, Jerome.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Fernando Torres

The Spaniard is nowhere near full fitness but has vowed to play through the pain for the time being. Hernia or no, 'El Nino' is a threat - it's that simple. It's just a matter of whether or not he gets the service.

Birmingham City - James McFadden

The twinkle-toed Scot ran riot in spells against Man City (brilliantly saved penalty aside), pulling out the sort of mercurial moves that leaves one wondering why he's never managed to take that next step in his career. If he gets it right, the Reds' rearguard will be in for a busy night.

Injury Crisis At Liverpool Is Lifting - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes that the injury plague that has struck his squad is finally beginning to show signs of abatement.

Fabio Aurelio, Albert Riera and Martin Skrtel have returned to training, as has Steven Gerrard after being unable to train for a fortnight owing to his groin injury.

Benitez also explained the situation with Fernando Torres, who has been playing despite reports that he may require surgery to cure a hernia problem.

"The injury situation is improving," he is quoted by FIFA.com as saying.

"Several players have been in light training. But there is a big difference, though, between being fit and being available.

"Gerrard has trained after being unable to do so for 15 days. He cannot be considered to be fit.

"Torres is a little better. He will train and work with the physios, but whether he will be okay to play against Birmingham [City, on Monday], we do not know yet.

"He could play and we must be careful with him.

"We will look at the situation after every training session. The experience I have had for many years with this sort of problem is to carry on and see how players react. Some can play all season with the problem, some need to stop and rest. They are all different."

The former Valencia coach explained that Torres had put aside his own discomfort to continue leading the line for the Reds, whose lack of attacking alternatives has been cruelly exposed this term.

"Torres is the one who can play," he said.

"He has been in pain, but he wants to play for the team - he has a great mentality. I believe we can carry on with him.

"Let us see how we do in the next game, then they will have 15 days of the international break to get fit, then let's see how they are after that."

Aquilani Set For Anfield

Rafa Benitez says Alberto Aquilani will finally get his Anfield debut against Birmingham on Monday.

The Italy international was signed for £20 million man in August but has since been recovering from a knee operation and latterly a recent virus problem.

But the 25-year-old - who played for a few minutes in the Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal - now looks set to be thrown on from the bench against the Blues.

Benitez said: "It could be the time to let the Anfield fans see Aquilani at last.

"He has been getting fitter and had a short spell in a reserve game and then a few minutes at Arsenal in the Carling Cup.

"We had him with us in Lyon last week and I did want to bring him on. But Lucas and Javier Mascherano were controlling the game.

"So we waited a bit, we did not want to change the way the side were playing, even though he could have come on. Then we scored and there was no need to use him, it was just a shame we conceded so late.

"He was almost over the virus and he will certainly be much better on Monday.

"He has trained well. He does not have match fitness, but the only way to improve that is to play him in games.

"We have more players available now, so maybe he can be on the bench and then come on to change the game if necessary. He will certainly be involved."

Fernando Torres also looks set to play against the Midlanders despite struggles with a groin problem.

Benitez added: "We hope to be able to keep going with Fernando. Maybe he can be available for Birmingham, we will see how it goes.

"It was a risk to play him against Manchester United, but he scored a fantastic goal and everyone was saying what a massive difference he makes.

"He played, and scored, at Fulham and I was criticised by a lot of 'experts' because he was taken off in the second half.

"They can see that he has a problem, but the same thing happened in Lyon when I took him off.

"You cannot win. It does not matter what you do, someone will always criticise you. It is too easy.

"Fernando will play if he continues to have less pain than before. Does he need an operation? Nobody really knows, we'll wait and see.

"I have had many players with this problem under my management over the years. They carried on, and sometimes you can play for the whole season with such a problem.

"But I have been surprised at what some critics have said about Torres' involvement. People who have played football for years seem not to understand that the manager has more information.

"So when they are on TV, they just talk and they do not really know the situation."

Rafa Benitez In Talks With Bosses Over Liverpool FC's Champions League Situation

Rafael Benitez has held talks with his Liverpool bosses over the implications if the club fail to reach the last 16 of this season’s Champions League.

Discussions were also held on if the club fail to qualify for next season’s lucrative European competition.

The Liverpool manager revealed today that the club did not budget this term for anything beyond the group stages.

And Benitez insisted he was confident that financial problems next season will be avoided “because we will achieve a top four finish”.

Liverpool have never failed to reach the last 16 under Benitez’s management, but they are in grave danger of that eventuality now with qualification from Group E out of their hands after the midweek draw in Lyon.

They must hope that Lyon win their next match away to Fiorentina, and that Liverpool win their final two group games to produce the “miracle” Benitez admits they need now.

Reaching the Champions League next season is also under threat with them currently sixth in the Barclays Premier League, a point behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who are at Anfield on November 21.

Before that Liverpool face Birmingham at Anfield on Monday, needing to get their current form back on track.

Liverpool face earning £10million less from their European campaign this season if they do not reach the last 16, with another £10million lost if they do not qualify for next season’s group stages.

Benitez says: “I spoke to Christian Purslow (Liverpool’s managing director) the other day about the finances.

“The first thing, though, is that we have confidence we can still reach the last 16 of the Champions League this season.

“But whatever happens, the budget was done for this season based on us only qualifying for the group stages. And we did that, that is complete.

“Whether we can still bring in more money, we will wait and see. The commercial department is working very hard, for the next season (in Europe) it is a question of time.

“The Premier League is a long race, we must keep going. I am confident the team will finish in the top four and we are able to continue to do well in Europe, so let’s start against Birmingham with the right result.

“We have to do our job against Birmingham, and then I can guarantee that things will start to get easier.”

Improving their league position would be easier if Benitez could get Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard fit following groin problems.

Gerrard seems unlikely to be available for the Birmingham game, while Torres has a much better chance.

Benitez is likely to risk Torres again, following the striker’s trip to visit a Spanish specialist on Thursday who is believed to have suggested a three-week break for the club’s top scorer.

Benitez also hopes that neither Spain or England will select Torres and Gerrard for international friendlies next weekend.

He wants the pair to have intensive treatment throughout the two week international break ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Anfield.

Benitez has held discussions with Spanish FA officials and believes he has a gentleman’s agreement that Torres will not be called up for Spain’s home friendly with Argentina next Saturday.

Benitez has not held similar conversations with England over Gerrard’s fitness.

England play Brazil in Doha next weekend, and Benitez would be furious if Gerrard was selected.

Dossena Wants Reds Exit

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena says he is looking to leave Anfield in January and return to Italy.

The Italian full-back has only made two appearances for Liverpool so far this season against Bolton in the Premier League and Leeds in the Carling Cup, despite moving for a hefty £7million in July last year.

Dossena is worried that being frozen out by Rafa Benitez will severely harm his chances of going to next year's World Cup with Italy, and admits he would like to return to his homeland.

"I know that three big Serie A clubs - Napoli, Juventus and Milan - are looking at me," he said in the News of the World.

"In August they just made other choices. I was very close to going to Juventus in the summer but they signed Fabio Grosso.

"I am now worried I will miss the World Cup."

Dossena became the first ever Italian player to sign for Liverpool last year, but has found first-team chances hard to come by this term.

However, the left-sided player insists that he has not fallen out with manager Benitez, and is just disappointed with his performances since his arrival on Merseyside.

"I'm not disappointed with the treatment I've had," he added.

"I know how things work and I've always behaved correctly. Benitez chooses the line-up, and I'm paid to respect his choices.

"In truth I am a little bit unhappy with my performances. They have not seen the 'real' Dossena at Anfield."

Liverpool Chiefs Wants O'Neill

Martin O'Neill has emerged as the man to replace Rafa Benitez.

American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have identified O'Neill to succeed the Spaniard if Liverpool fail to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Hicks, Gillett, and managing director Christian Purslow are standing by beleaguered Benitez despite Liverpool's woeful recent run of form.

But behind the scenes the mood of staunch support for Benitez has shifted as Liverpool's season has lurched towards chaos, with six defeats, one draw and just one win in their last eight games.

The club are wary of making a knee-jerk reaction but recognise that unless results improve dramatically - and soon - they will have to consider replacing Benitez during the season rather than next summer.

Kenny Dalglish has been tipped to hold the Anfield fort if Benitez IS sacked before May but he would only be keeping the seat warm for O'Neill (left).

Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Lyon leaves Liverpool's Champions League campaign in a precarious position and five Premier League defeats already this season means their first title since 1990 is a pipedream.

Failing to qualify for the Champions League next season would have a huge effect on Liverpool's already shaky financial position.

The club's budget is based largely on Champions League qualification and an absence from the top four would badly damage any chances of Hicks and Gillett refinancing the club's debt.

That is why Benitez's position is now being discussed by the club's hierarchy and they have come to the conclusion that O'Neill is the best suited and best placed to take the club forward.

Twenty months ago, when things were wobbling under Benitez, the club flirted with the idea of recruiting Jurgen Klinsmann. But the initial interest came to nothing and despite having done a good job as German national manager at the 2006 World Cup, Klinsmann's lack of credentials at club level were exposed last season at Bayern Munich, where he was sacked in April. Since then Liverpool have flirted with the idea of luring Jose Mourinho back to England to take up the one job the 'Special One' has consistently said would lure him back to the Premier League.

Given the current confused state of Liverpool's finances, however, it is unlikely the Inter Milan boss would want to take on the job at this stage of his career.

Certainly he would not be persuaded to leave Inter mid-season. And come next summer, it is more likely that he will be lured by Spanish giants Real Madrid.

O'Neill has always honoured his contracts at previous clubs but has become increasingly frustrated by how quickly the fans at Aston Villa have turned on him.

He took over at Villa in 2006 when the club was in turmoil following the reign of David O'Leary.

And he rapidly revived their fortunes and has led them into European football and even flirted with breaking in to the top four.

To most, O'Neill has done a fine job at re-establishing Villa as one of the country's top eight clubs. And so O'Neill can't understand why he can become so quickly subject to criticism from the stands.

He has worked well under the ownership of American Randy Lerner and the business model that has gone along with it.

O'Neill's ability to manage in that way has further impressed Yanks Hicks and Gillett, who have become increasingly wary of how quickly Benitez blames his inability to push Liverpool to the next level on a lack of transfer funds.

Last year, Benitez won a significant political battle when chief executive Rick Parry was ousted after the Spaniard had complained he should have total control of transfer business.

But it is understood that Gillett and Hicks are now sceptical of Benitez's ability in the transfer market - but have admired how well O'Neill has worked within budgets and in tandem with Villa owner Lerner's requirements.

Liverpool Will Not Sell Key Players - Hicks

Liverpool will not be forced to sell off key players if the club make an early exit from the Champions League, co-owner Tom Hicks said.

"None of our star players will be sold, regardless of results," the American told the Sunday Mirror. "The club is doing very well due to rapidly growing commercial revenues.

"We have significant investor interest and want to make sure that we pick high-quality partners.

"We are happy with the way things are going financially but we hoped things would be better on the pitch."

The five-times European champions are in danger of being eliminated from the group stage of the Champions League despite having players such as England's Steven Gerrard and Spain's Fernando Torres.

They have also lost five of their first 11 games in the Premier League and are seventh in the standings, nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea before Sunday's games.

Liverpool have been keen to raise fresh cash to help challenge for top honours and fund the construction of a new stadium, as well as finance debt estimated at 245 million pounds.

Liverpool Plan £250m Field Of Dreams

Liverpool will brush off the controversy over England’s top clubs selling naming rights to their stadiums and chase the most expensive naming rights deal in the history of sport. Despite the recession, the Merseyside club’s hierarchy are convinced they can raise a mammoth £250m by persuading a leading global firm to buy the rights to name Liverpool’s proposed ground.

Liverpool’s owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, have been buoyed by their record £20m-per-season shirt sponsorship agreement signed recently with Standard Chartered, taking it as proof of the world-wide appeal of the club and the Premier League. These factors have persuaded Hicks and Gillett to revisit stadium-building plans, shelved due to Liverpool’s debts. The two Americans now believe they can underwrite more than 50% of the cost of building a new ground on a site earmarked on Stanley Park through a world-record naming rights sale.

The benchmark they have set Liverpool’s commercial team is the deal signed between the New York Mets baseball franchise and Citigroup. The American financial services giant paid $20m (£12m) a year over 20 years to have a new stadium, Citi Field, opened by the Mets early in 2009. Liverpool believe they can outstrip that. “Naming rights are a global market,” said Hicks. “We likely will partner with someone wanting global branding, unlike the US stadiums, which only worry about TV appeal in the States, similar to why Standard Chartered chose to partner with us on our shirts.”

Despite debts approaching £300m and Liverpool’s onfield worries, Hicks remains bullish about the outlook for his club. He said Rafael Benitez would not be forced to sell star players even if Liverpool fail to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Hicks and Gillett are seeking new investors, in the hope of raising money to reduce the club’s debt by diluting their shareholding, and spoke of “significant interest”. They are undeterred by protests by Newcastle fans in response to their club’s stadium being renamed sportsdirect.com@St James’ Park Stadium and criticism of Chelsea, who last week announced they were looking to sell off naming rights to Stamford Bridge in the hope of raising £150m.

Liverpool believe their situation is different, because they are building a new stadium rather than renaming an existing one. They regard as a precedent Arsenal, who signed a £100m 15-year deal with Emirates, which also included shirt sponsorship, when they moved from Highbury in 2006. Manchester United are the only Big Four club for whom a naming rights sale does not appear an option. A club source said a rights sale involving Old Trafford is “not on our agenda”. Sir Alex Ferguson said Chelsea’s plans were driven by money. “It is the only reason I can think of. But it does not really concern me. I wouldn’t have thought [it would happen at United].”

Guus Hiddink Would Be Perfect For Liverpool

When Guus Hiddink sneezes, Roman Abramovich catches a cold and Vladimir Putin develops a nervous cough.

They’d better order additional supplies of extra strength tissues for Manchester United’s visit to Stamford Bridge today.

Hiddink – like another student of socialism, Sir Alex Ferguson – understands how to use the cult of personality, welded around strong leaders.

They revere authority figures in Russia, a land trying to convince itself that Joseph Stalin was not so bad for a dictator who killed untold millions.

Putin may ignore David Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary when he pitches up in Moscow, but he’ll take the Dutchman’s calls 24/7.

Hiddink’s remarkable ability to win friends and influence important people ensures he will be conspicuous by his absence from the most significant match of the Premier League season so far.

He is way too cute to swan into West London, imply disrespect to Carlo Ancelotti and provide a diversion for a Chelsea team that, deep down, he must still consider his own.

Hiddink plans to be in Moscow, on media duties before his Russia squad assembles for World Cup play off matches against Slovenia.

The pressure on him to extend his contract until the 2012 European Championship is being applied from the Kremlin downwards. Hiddink has yet to enter negotiations with the Russian FA beyond an impish suggestion that, at 62: “I’m not getting any younger.”

The latest set of multi-millionaires to respond to his human qualities has been queuing up to eulogise him.

Arsenal and Russia striker Andrey Arshavin captured the mood when he suggested that: “Without Guus, there is no team.”

Russia should qualify for South Africa, and postpone the panic prompted by any hint from Hiddink it is time to move on. Should they lose to Slovenia, a small nation punching above its weight, big men have big decisions to make.

Hiddink has the knack of never outstaying his welcome.

Unattached, even in spirit, he’s the most attractive manager in world football.

United, remember, need a huge personality to succeed Fergie.

They need someone who is not cowed by legend or intimidated by a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

If I were Tom Hicks or George Gillett – football’s answer to Dick Dastardly and Muttley – I’d make plans to sack Rafa Benitez and offer to sell the last remaining sliver of my soul.

Hiddink would be perfect for Liverpool.

He would take a warm bath in the club’s history, cleanse himself with Shankly’s spirit.

Then he’d win round Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, in the way he convinced Frank Lampard and John Terry he was The Man.

Abramovich takes loyalty deadly seriously. He will not want to lose someone in whom he has invested so much faith.

Hiddink’s spell as caretaker-manager, ruthlessly engineered but undeniably necessary, marked a turning point in Chelsea’s development.

He set about changing attitudes to a regime that lacked humility, class, and sheer common sense.

Whisper it, in the way you might admit Take That can hold a tune, but it may now be socially acceptable to admire Chelsea.

Peter Kenyon and his PR man have left the building. New chief executive Ron Gourlay has been understated, realistic. Even the impending abomination of selling naming rights to Stamford Bridge smacks of commercial expedience. Chelsea are flirting with the real world.

My best guess is that, eventually, Hiddink will return as technical director.

Few will mourn Frank Arnesen’s passing.

Hiddink doesn’t need the limitations of the manager’s role. He will be in the background, pulling the strings.

Just like his new best friend, Vladimir Putin, the man who really runs Russia, rather than President Medvedev.

Ngog Eyeing More Goals

Liverpool striker David Ngog wants to score more goals for Rafa Benitez to repay the Spaniard for improving his game.

The 20-year-old has netted twice in the Premier League this term - against Stoke City and Manchester United - in four substitute appearances.

The France Under-21 international has also scored in the Carling Cup against Leeds and for the reserves.

But Ngog, who signed from Paris St Germain in July 2008, is hungry for more.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Rafa has improved me.

"I've learnt a lot at this club and the manager has given me a lot of confidence. I thank him for that and now I have to give my best for him.

"I just want to score and do my best for the team, and I know I have the qualities to do these things.

"Every player has to improve some things and I know with time and experience I will be better.

"I have to be patient, work every day in training and do my best when I get a chance."

Ngog received a big boost with his goal against United in Liverpool's 2-0 success at Anfield.

"I will keep this moment with me for the rest of my career," he said. "The goal went really fast - I didn't have time to think.

"Of course it's made me hungry for more. I know I can give a lot to this club and it's given me confidence."

Ngog believes Benitez is the right man to turn things around at Anfield after a difficult start to the campaign.

"He is a really good coach with experience," said the French striker.

"He knows what to do in these kinds of situations. He is a good person for the club and he's helped this club be one of the best in Europe again. We continue to trust and believe in him.

"I don't really read the papers. We know people like to talk but we have to stay focused, stay together and work together. We believe we have a good team.

"We know we can do better and win games."

Barcelona Planning Winter Raid For Liverpool Midfielder Javier Mascherano

Barcelona are reportedly preparing a bid for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, who the Merseyside club are preparing to offload during the winter transfer window according to Spanish publication El Mundo Deportivo.

The Argentine central midfielder, who holds an Italian passport, was a summer target for the Blaugrana and had showed signs of a desire to make the switch before Reds boss Rafael Benitez insisted he would not be leaving.

Now however the Merseyside club are understood to be ready to cash in on Mascherano and use the cash to strengthen their attacking options and put an end to their over reliance on Fernando Torres for goals.

Barca are reportedly waiting to see how the market plays out during the winter window before making a bid but should another club declare their interest in signing the 25-year-old the Catalan giants are ready to show their hand.

The report also suggests that any approach for Mascherano would have no effect on Barca's intention to add a forward to their ranks with Robinho and Luis Suarez topping the list of possible signings.

Should Mascherano make the switch, he will join Dmytro Chygrynskiy on the cup-tied list for the UEFA Champions League.

Fabio Aurelio Winning Injury Battle Ahead Of Liverpool FC's Clash With Birmingham

Fabio Aurelio is winning his battle to be fit to return to action on Monday – and to take his place in the Brazil squad for the first time.

Aurelio, who is in the last year of his current contract, has missed Liverpool’s last two games against Fulham and Lyon with a calf problem.

His form before that, though, had been good enough to catch the eye of Brazil coach Dunga, who will take Aurelio and Reds midfielder Lucas to Qatar for next Saturday’s friendly with England.

Benitez is thrilled Aurelio’s consistency has been recognised and has confirmed talks are planned with the 30-year-old about extending his stay at Anfield.

First, however, the Liverpool boss wants to see Aurelio up and running again and hopes the Anfield clash against Birmingham will provide an ideal opportunity.

“We are really happy for Fabio to have received the call up because he it is a fantastic opportunity for him,” said Benitez.

“We are not so happy that the game is in Qatar but there you go! I think he is a very good player, a really nice person to have around the club and very professional.

“He is someone that we are continuing to analyse how he is playing and how he is doing; we offered him an extension before but his agents did not accept it.

“Then he had the problem with his knee, so we have to analyse again because he has had so many injuries and we know things might have to be done in a different way.

“But we still have it in our minds to talk with him again because of what we know he can do and what he adds to the squad.”

Talks had started during the summer with Aurelio’s agent about extending his stay on Merseyside beyond the end of this season, as he is a player Benitez knows and trusts from their time together with Valencia.

Provided he comes through the weekend training sessions, he will come into contention for a place on the left side against Alex McLeish’s men and Benitez hopes Aurelio has seen the back of the Melwood treatment room for some time.

“You can always count him to give his best,” said Benitez. “Fabio is a very good professional, top class in terms of quality.

“The only problem is that he has had some injuries and we have got to be careful.”

Torres To Defy Doc

Fernando Torres will defy doctor's orders to try to haul Liverpool out of their slump.

Groin-strain victim Torres wants to play against Birmingham on Monday despite being told not to play for THREE weeks.

It could spark a row with Spain who agreed not to pick Torres, 25, for their prestige date with Argentina.

The Reds striker was advised to rest when he flew to Valencia in the club's jet to consult Dr Ramon Cugat, who saw Torres last season on boss Rafa Benitez's recommendation.

Cugat appears to have assured Torres he would not need surgery if he paced himself properly.

He was back at the Liverpool training ground yesterday and all the signs are he will continue to play through the pain as the Reds seek to halt their disastrous eight-game run with just one win.

Kop skipper Steven Gerrard - another groin strain casualty - also managed light training yesterday after being given a pain-killing injection.

Gerrard's fitness will be closely monitored over the weekend and he too could be patched up and sent out to face Birmingham.

Central defender Daniel Agger, feeling his way back after back surgery, said: "We have just got to look forward to the Birmingham game to get going.

"If we keep playing with the effort we have shown we hope the situation will turn for us."

Carlo Ancelotti Writes Off Liverpool's Title Chances

Carlo Ancelotti claimed yesterday that Liverpool can no longer win the Barclays Premier League title, although such a dismissive attitude will not stop him seeking to follow their example when Chelsea face Manchester United on Sunday.

Chelsea can open a five-point gap at the top of table by beating United at Stamford Bridge and victory would put them 12 points clear of sixth-placed Liverpool, who host Birmingham City on Monday night.

Ancelotti insists that the battle for the title is not yet a two-horse race between Chelsea and United, claiming that Arsenal could win the trophy for the first time in six years, but he does not believe that Liverpool will stay the pace. Liverpool have won only one of their past eight matches in all competitions, a 2-0 victory over United a fortnight ago.

“It’s not just between us and United, I think Arsenal have good possibilities to arrive in first place,” the Chelsea manager said. “We can’t think about Liverpool because they are behind, but Arsenal have a very good team and a very good chance to win.”

For all his doubts about Liverpool’s pedigree, Ancelotti believes their victory over United two weeks ago has shown them the way to beat the champions. The Italian is convinced that United have a weakness in central midfield, which Liverpool exploited at Anfield, and will attempt to do the same by fielding a powerful trio of Michael Essien, Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard tomorrow, with Deco in a more advanced role at the top of the diamond. José Bosingwa is Chelsea’s only injury concern, with Branislav Ivanovic likely to fill in at right back.

“Liverpool had a fantastic match, a strong match, and put a lot of pressure on the pitch,” Ancelotti said. “That’s why they won. They didn’t give United any possibility to play like they want to play. It was a good lesson for us because Manchester can suffer when there’s pressure on their midfielders. Every team has a weakness. But I don’t want to play against other teams’ weaknesses; we want to put our own qualities on the pitch.”

Ancelotti claimed that he had yet to decide whether to enter the transfer market in January after the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed yesterday that Fifa’s transfer ban for allegedly inducing Gaël Kakuta to sign from Lens, the French club, will be frozen pending their appeal.

The Times revealed in September that Chelsea would seek to delay their hearing to enable them to strengthen their squad in January and it is inconceivable that they will not recruit more players despite Ancelotti’s apparent ambivalence to the idea.

“I’m very happy with this squad,” he said. “I have enough experience not to have problems with old players. I’ve trained some players until they’re in their forties, so these players have a lot of time yet.”

Lucas Will Continue To Improve - Rafa Benitez

The shrill of Franck de Bleeckere’s final whistle had barely subsided when the phone-ins started, looking to apportion blame for Liverpool’s Champions League struggles.

Predictably, the names were the same. Angry of Anfield and Worried of Woolton all knew which players were culpable for stopping Liverpool securing a win in Lyon which would have kept them in control of their European destiny.

It was, of course, easy to see where many were coming from on certain individuals; yet that some felt Lucas should be included in the rogue’s gallery which was being assembled was a source of utter bewilderment to Rafa Benitez.

Though it is true to say Lucas missed a glorious chance to give Liverpool the lead midway through the second half in the Stade Gerland, it was the only blot on an otherwise spotless copybook.

Neat and tidy in possession, diligent in his work and desperate to help the Reds get back on course, Lucas played with a confidence that suggests he is now starting to get fully attuned to the Liverpool way of life.

While it is improbable he will ever enjoy mass popularity on the terraces, that is unlikely to ever cause Benitez to lose sleep, especially if the Brazilian’s form continues to move on upward trajectory, as has been the case for most of this season.

An impressive figure in the win over Manchester United last month – his efforts glossed when he put David Ngog through to score the crucial second – Lucas again showed he is coming of age in France earlier this week.

Lucas will be part of the side that faces Birmingham City at Anfield on Monday evening and Benitez is backing the man he signed from Gremio in 2007 to build on recent efforts with another solid performance.

“When we played Manchester United, some people came up to me and said Lucas was really good,” said Benitez, clearly shocked that some people were surprised his efforts.

“But when you analyse the situation, you will see that he is a young player who came to a big club like ours. It was different to anything he had ever known and he had no other option but to adapt.

“He has also had to get used to the language, the way of life and it was a problem for someone who had spent all their life initially in Brazil. Yet he shows character every single game and every single day when he is training.

“He works hard, he is always trying to improve. Now we are watching him and we can see he is playing well at this moment in time but we know he is going to keep getting better in the future.”

Given the way he trains and conducts himself, it is almost inevitable that Lucas – who is still only 22 yet a regular in Brazil’s national side – will continue to progress and Benitez believes the benefits will be two-fold.

“He is a very good professional and I think that a lot of our fans realise he is someone who gives everything on the pitch for them,” said Benitez.

“His confidence is growing, he’s trying to take responsibility and he is doing everything. I’m pleased for him and pleased for us because the club is the most important thing.”

The most important thing on Monday, clearly, is to get three points to restore a sense of calm again following one of the most difficult and demoralising spells the club has been through during the past decade.

Lisandro’s goal in the dying seconds of the Lyon game invoked the kind of feelings teams usually suffer after losing in cup finals and the flight home from France was, not surprisingly, a very subdued affair.

But having had two days to reflect on their efforts, it has registered with the squad that the performance was much better than anything they had produced in more than a month and maintain such standards will spark a transformation in results.

More than anything, however, Lucas – who next Saturday will play for Brazil against England in Qatar – recognises there is a need to take three points off Birmingham to relieve some of the pressure on Benitez.

“We are in a difficult moment, but we are the ones on the pitch and it is up to us to improve,” Lucas said. “Rafa is a really good manager and now we have to try to win for ourselves, but also for him because he has been really good for us and me in particular.

“He gave me opportunities and he gave me confidence, so now I want to pay him back by playing well, working really hard and performing as he expects me to. Maybe I was low last year when I got booed at Anfield.

“But that is in the past. The supporters, especially the Kop, have been really good with me this season. They are helping me all the time and giving me confidence. I have heard my name being sung and it made me feel really good. It is special when the Kop sings your name, and I appreciate that so much.

“I feel I’m growing in confidence this season. I’m a totally different player to the one who arrived at Liverpool. Now I have a good relationship with them, but the most important thing is about what is best for Liverpool – not what is best for me.”

Rafa Benitez Makes International Friendlies Plea Over Fernando Torres And Steven Gerrard

Rafa Benitez has urged the Spanish and English Football Associations to exercise commonsense when naming their squads for their international friendlies next week.

Spain will play Argentina at Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon stadium next Saturday, while on the same evening England face Brazil in a glamour friendly in Qatar.

In normal circumstances, both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard would figure prominently in those matches but they have both had well documented fitness problems.

That’s why Benitez has spoken with the Spanish FA to explain the situation surrounding Torres and hopes the English FA will be sympathetic with regards Gerrard.

“I have spoken with the Spanish technical director, the fitness coach and (head coach) Vicente Del Bosque about Fernando,” said the Liverpool manager today.

“I have explained the situation and they know he is not fit at this moment and he needs to work hard with the physios for a while. It’s a similar situation with Steven.

“When you have a player who has only been working with the physios and after there is an international break, it makes no sense to call these players when they are not fit.

“At this moment, I think both will be in a difficult situation (physically) for the next two weeks and the Spanish know this.”

Torres trained at Melwood this morning along with the rest of the squad ahead of Monday’s home clash with Birmingham following his whistle stop visit to Valencia.

The Reds sought a second opinion on his ‘sportsman’s hernia’ on Thursday and Benitez revealed that the injury which has troubled for a month has started to improve gradually.

“He is a little bit better than he was before but he still has some problems and is working with the physios,” said Benitez. “Can he play against Birmingham? We will see. We have to manage the situation.

“The experience I have with similar problems is to keep going and see how he reacts. Some players can keep going for the whole season, others need to stop and start again. Torres has a positive mentality and wants to play for the team.

“I was really surprised with a lot of the critics after some games, as you could see the player was not 100 per cent fit. When will we decide if we carry on or we have to stop? Again, it depends on the reaction of the players.

“At this moment he is playing and trying to do his best. He is improving. He was much better after Fulham than he was after Manchester United. And he was much better after Lyon than he was after Fulham.”

Gerrard, though, is not at Torres’ level and, having only played for 25 minutes in the last four weeks, is desperately short of match fitness.

“Stevie is different because he hasn’t trained with the team for 15 days,” said Benitez. “He is working with the physios but, clearly, he is not fully fit and needs time.”

Benitez, however, expects have some more bodies back for the Birmingham game and is hoping they will help secure three priceless points.

“They have got a good manager and they know what it means to play in the Premier League,” said Benitez. “They are a good team and they will have a good season but we hope that it is going to be after Monday night.”

Glen Johnson Hoping Liverpool FC's Luck Will Turn

Defender Glen Johnson may be struggling to be fit for Liverpool’s home clash with Birmingham on Monday but he is convinced he is part of a squad good enough to turn around recent disastrous form.

The England man is still a major doubt with a calf injury that kept him out of the midweek Champions League draw in Lyon, and he is not expected to be fit to face the midlanders.

But he maintains the current Liverpool squad can still win major honours despite an erratic start to the season.

Johnson said: “People keep talking about us losing the title, they were doing it after we lost the first game of the season.

“We have got a fantastic group of players here. Everyone has been disappointed with the performances and results because we’ve got enough about us to do a lot better.

“There has always been a belief that we are equipped to beat any team we face but a lot has gone against us, especially luck, and it has cost us games.”

Liverpool will play a waiting game with the fitness of a string of top stars, including Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, as they prepare for Monday’s match.

Striker Torres returned to the club’s Melwood training ground yesterday after his whistle-stop trip to Valencia.

The Spaniard had sought a second opinion on his groin injury from specialist Ramon Cugat, who he has worked with before, and is also favoured by manager Rafael Benitez from his time at Valencia.

Spanish sources suggest Torres has been told to rest for three weeks, but Liverpool’s top scorer is still being considered for Monday’s match.

Torres is believed not to want to take that course of action, and has been in light training and will have further careful sessions over the weekend before a decision is made about his availability to face Birmingham.

Gerrard, with a lesser groin problem than Torres, has had another pain killing injection this week and also done some light training. He will continue in the same vein this weekend, when Benitez will also consider his fitness levels.

Liverpool also have Albert Riera (hamstring), Fabio Aurelio (calf) and Martin Skrtel (virus) likely to be back in action.

It is a match Liverpool must win if they are to continue their fight for what realistically is a top-four finish, with the title seemingly out of reach.

Benitez will be without the suspended Jamie Carragher and Philipp Degen for the clash with Birmingham.

Alex McLeish Understands Liverpool Counterpart Rafa Benitez's Situation

Aside from the Manchester United scalp, Liverpool are winless since late September - a feat Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish hopes won't be remedied when his side take on Rafael Benitez's Reds on Monday evening.

McLeish, however, empathises with Benitez over the situation that has engulfed Anfield.

Liverpool have fallen down the Premier League rankings; nine points behind Chelsea, they are also facing a likely Champions League exit following their inability to defeat Olympique Lyonnais.

McLeish compared his experience at Rangers to the one Rafa is currently going through. He told the official website of the Premier League: "I think Rafa Benitez is a smart guy who has been in the game a long time and knows the expectation levels at a club like Liverpool, the same as I did at Rangers.

"We are not daft. When you have some results that are against expectations of the fans and what people expect of Liverpool, then you are always going to be under pressure.

"I was no different with the Rangers job but you have just got to keep your focus, your dignity and keep working as best as you know in the game," concluded the Blues' boss.

Daniel Agger Wants Liverpool To Find Self-Belief Ahead Of Birmingham City Clash

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is taking heart from the Reds' positive performance against Olympique Lyonnais this week, despite the disappointing result – a 1-1 draw placed the Merseysiders' hopes of progress in the Champions League in severe doubt.

"You get what you deserve in football and you have to look at closing the game down otherwise you get punished in the way we did in Lyon," he told the club's official website.

"Now we have just got to look forward to the Birmingham game to get going. If we keep playing with the effort we did in Lyon, we hope the situation will turn for us.

"It's always so difficult to accept when you lose two points in the manner we did so late in a game.

"We were all so disappointed. We might have controlled the game but it's no consolation; you've got to keep working hard until the last minute.

"But we have to keep believing. We have got to go into the next two games, make sure that we win them and then take it from there."

Liverpool welcome Birmingham City to Anfield on Monday night and Agger is expecting to be fit for the game after playing in Lyon.

He added: "Physically I feel okay. I wanted to play [in Lyon] and I do all I can to play in every match, as all the lads do here. But sometimes it's not going to happen."

Liverpool Planning Transfer Swoop For Dutch Midfield Star

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is looking at Hamburg’s Dutch midfielder Eljero Elia to help solve his Anfield crisis.

Benitez has sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old midfielder this season and is desperate to strengthen his squad, despite him being under pressure to save his job.

Under-fire Benitez has suggested agreeing a deal for Elia - who joined Hamburg from FC Twente for £7m in August - and then allowing him to stay in Germany until next summer as he is so keen to get him.

Elia has already broken into the Dutch national team and is being backed to be a regular in their World Cup line-up.