Rafa Benitez is hopeful Fernando Torres will be able to make his first appearance in more than a month when West Brom visit Anfield.
The Spanish striker has not played for the Reds since the 3-2 win over Manchester City at Eastlands on October 5 after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty.
In the six games Torres has missed Liverpool have scored eight times, but have only scored more than once on one occasion when Wigan were edged out in a five-goal thriller.
Benitez is optimistic Torres will prove the time has come for him to be unleashed on Premier League defences again by proving his fitness ahead of the visit of West Brom.
"Fernando has more confidence now and he has been training normally with the rest of the squad," said Benitez.
"He looks okay and we will decide whether or not he is ready to play against West Brom after our final training session before the game.
"But we are hopeful because he is much better now than he was earlier in the week."
Meanwhile, fellow injury victim Martin Sktrel has ditched his crutches as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee ligament tear.
The 23-year-old centre-back is happy with the way his recovery programme is progressing but is not yet ready to set a date for his return to action.
Skrtel suffered the injury after falling awkwardly at City.
He said: "I can already walk without crutches but for the next two weeks I have to wear a special orthosis (knee brace).
"The doctor explained some new exercises to me and we have not discussed the date of return yet. Anyway, I cannot nor do I want to rush anything. “
The Spanish striker has not played for the Reds since the 3-2 win over Manchester City at Eastlands on October 5 after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty.
In the six games Torres has missed Liverpool have scored eight times, but have only scored more than once on one occasion when Wigan were edged out in a five-goal thriller.
Benitez is optimistic Torres will prove the time has come for him to be unleashed on Premier League defences again by proving his fitness ahead of the visit of West Brom.
"Fernando has more confidence now and he has been training normally with the rest of the squad," said Benitez.
"He looks okay and we will decide whether or not he is ready to play against West Brom after our final training session before the game.
"But we are hopeful because he is much better now than he was earlier in the week."
Meanwhile, fellow injury victim Martin Sktrel has ditched his crutches as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee ligament tear.
The 23-year-old centre-back is happy with the way his recovery programme is progressing but is not yet ready to set a date for his return to action.
Skrtel suffered the injury after falling awkwardly at City.
He said: "I can already walk without crutches but for the next two weeks I have to wear a special orthosis (knee brace).
"The doctor explained some new exercises to me and we have not discussed the date of return yet. Anyway, I cannot nor do I want to rush anything. “
No comments:
Post a Comment