Fernando Torres admits it is a 'huge disappointment' that he has to sit out Liverpool's trip to former club Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish striker suffered a hamstring injury on international duty last week and will miss Wednesday's UEFA Champions League tie.
Torres was eagerly anticipating his return to the Vicente Calderon, having left Atletico for Liverpool in the summer of 2007.
He is expecting Atletico to pose a big threat to Liverpool, but hopes his current team can move a step nearer the knockout phase by claiming three points.
"To not be in the Calderon on Wednesday is a huge disappointment," said Torres.
"It was very special for me to be able to play this game, but unfortunately it is not to be.
"It will be a difficult game. Atletico have started the Champions League phenomenally well and they will try to move closer to qualifying in front of their fans.
"For us it is the same. If we claim these three points we will take a very big step towards the last 16."
He added: "As I have already said, my wish is that we both qualify and after the first few rounds of matches we are both on track. Now all that remains is to finish it off."
Torres had received an invitation from Atletico to watch the match at the Vicente Calderon as their VIP guest, but has stayed in England due to his injury.
"I want to thank Atletico Madrid for their invitation," he continued. "I'm sorry for the fans, but after meeting with the coach, the medical staff and the physiotherapists we have decided that it was best for me to remain in Liverpool because I would have lost virtually two days of recuperation.
"At this phase we cannot afford ourselves this luxury."
Regarding his recovery from his injury, Torres said on his personal website, www.fernando9torres.com: "I'm improving. With this type if injury you need to be very patient.
"It is a shame because I have had another break in the same place as happened last August. But there is nothing else to do but work and complete the daily sessions that have been created for me by the Liverpool medical staff."
The Spanish striker suffered a hamstring injury on international duty last week and will miss Wednesday's UEFA Champions League tie.
Torres was eagerly anticipating his return to the Vicente Calderon, having left Atletico for Liverpool in the summer of 2007.
He is expecting Atletico to pose a big threat to Liverpool, but hopes his current team can move a step nearer the knockout phase by claiming three points.
"To not be in the Calderon on Wednesday is a huge disappointment," said Torres.
"It was very special for me to be able to play this game, but unfortunately it is not to be.
"It will be a difficult game. Atletico have started the Champions League phenomenally well and they will try to move closer to qualifying in front of their fans.
"For us it is the same. If we claim these three points we will take a very big step towards the last 16."
He added: "As I have already said, my wish is that we both qualify and after the first few rounds of matches we are both on track. Now all that remains is to finish it off."
Torres had received an invitation from Atletico to watch the match at the Vicente Calderon as their VIP guest, but has stayed in England due to his injury.
"I want to thank Atletico Madrid for their invitation," he continued. "I'm sorry for the fans, but after meeting with the coach, the medical staff and the physiotherapists we have decided that it was best for me to remain in Liverpool because I would have lost virtually two days of recuperation.
"At this phase we cannot afford ourselves this luxury."
Regarding his recovery from his injury, Torres said on his personal website, www.fernando9torres.com: "I'm improving. With this type if injury you need to be very patient.
"It is a shame because I have had another break in the same place as happened last August. But there is nothing else to do but work and complete the daily sessions that have been created for me by the Liverpool medical staff."
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