The Liverpool manager is hopeful that the Red number ‘9’ will be available for the Red’s next Premier League match at home to Birmingham on Monday evening. On Thursday, Fernando Torres visited Dr.Ramon Cugat in his native Spain for a second opinion on his niggling groin injury.

“He has gone to Spain to see a specialist. We have also been in contact with our medical staff. We know that he is a little bit better than he was before. He still has some problems and will be working with the physios. We don't know if he can face Birmingham. He can train, but we will have to manage the situation. After all this we will make a decision” Rafa told to www.liverpoolfc.tv. 

"Each player is different. Some players will work with the physio and be fit throughout the whole season. Others may need to stop and then carry on again.”

Rafa Benitez praised the striker’s attitude as Liverpool look to turn the tide. “Torres is playing with pain, but he is someone who has a positive and good mentality. He wants to play for the team and I think he can carry on.”

“At this moment he is playing and trying to do his best. Sometimes you can see he is not fully fit, but he is improving. He was much better after the game against Fulham than he was against United. It was the same after Lyon, so he is improving.”