Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted he is pushing Fernando Torres hard in a bid to get him fit for the second leg of their Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
Torres hobbled out of the first leg at the Bernabeu with an ankle problem, which caused him to miss the Premier League games with Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
However, the Spaniard is closing in on a return to fitness and, with Real Madrid and Manchester United next up for the Reds, Benitez is hoping to have his top striker available.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, the Liverpool boss said he was optimistic over Torres’ fitness and that the striker is desperate to face Los Merengues.
“We are pushing Torres and are trying to get him fit for the game. He is very important to us,” Benitez stated.
“I imagine Torres also wants to finish off the job. The Liverpool win was the first time he had tasted success against Real Madrid.”
The Merseysiders won the first leg 1-0, courtesy of a Yossi Benayoun header, and are firm favourites to progress at the expense of Juande Ramos’ men.
Benayoun, who scored the winner in Madrid, also admitted he was hoping Torres would feature at Anfield.
“It is obvious to everyone, including us players, that Torres and Steven Gerrard are our main men," admitted the Israeli international. "They are the big stars so, of course, we depend on them.”
A win against Los Blancos would set up Liverpool nicely for their clash with Manchester United at the weekend. It is a game that Benitez has already stated his side must win if they are to retain any hopes of winning the Premier League.
Torres hobbled out of the first leg at the Bernabeu with an ankle problem, which caused him to miss the Premier League games with Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
However, the Spaniard is closing in on a return to fitness and, with Real Madrid and Manchester United next up for the Reds, Benitez is hoping to have his top striker available.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, the Liverpool boss said he was optimistic over Torres’ fitness and that the striker is desperate to face Los Merengues.
“We are pushing Torres and are trying to get him fit for the game. He is very important to us,” Benitez stated.
“I imagine Torres also wants to finish off the job. The Liverpool win was the first time he had tasted success against Real Madrid.”
The Merseysiders won the first leg 1-0, courtesy of a Yossi Benayoun header, and are firm favourites to progress at the expense of Juande Ramos’ men.
Benayoun, who scored the winner in Madrid, also admitted he was hoping Torres would feature at Anfield.
“It is obvious to everyone, including us players, that Torres and Steven Gerrard are our main men," admitted the Israeli international. "They are the big stars so, of course, we depend on them.”
A win against Los Blancos would set up Liverpool nicely for their clash with Manchester United at the weekend. It is a game that Benitez has already stated his side must win if they are to retain any hopes of winning the Premier League.
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