The Liverpool boss returned to his city of birth for the Europa League clash away to Atletico. The Spaniard’s squad will be looking to take back a positive result back to Anfield for the return leg in a week’s time, but Rafa will have to make do without his number ‘9’ for both matches.

Speaking to ‘Marca’ in Spain, Rafa hopes his side can overcome Torres’ absence in what will be the third official meeting between the clubs without the Spain number ‘9’. Last year Torres missed both Champions League meetings last season, and his knee operation on Sunday has ruled him out again for both ties.

“It’s a blow for Liverpool and especially Fernando Torres, as we have experienced some bad luck when it comes to the striker ahead of our games against Atletico. But that’s life, and you just have to pick yourself up and keep plugging away. Sometimes professional sport can be cruel, but you have to think positive. Hopefully he’ll get another chance to face Atletico Madrid, and it would be great if it was in a cup final.”

Rafa explained that Torres’ knee operation had nothing to do with a any previous injuries suffered by the forward. “We have anaylsed the injuries in great depth, and the injury he suffered in January is not related to the injury he picked up against Benfica. He picked up the two injuries in a relatively short space of time, but that’s just an unfortunate coincidence.”