Benitez remains hopeful over Torres hernia scare
LYON vs LIVERPOOL
LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez is hopeful Fernando Torres will be able to avoid having a hernia operation.
The Spanish striker has been playing though the pain barrier in recent weeks with some reports suggesting he may need surgery to correct the problem.
But Benitez is expected to pick the hitman for tonight’s crunch Champions League clash with Lyon, explaining: “We know Fernando has a problem, and we have to manage it. He is improving, and he is in less pain each time he plays and trains.
“Hopefully if we can continue doing well with him, he will not need an operation – that is our idea. Yesterday he was better still and hopefully tomorrow he will be even better.”
Defeat at Lyon tonight would see Liverpool’s woeful run stretch to seven defeats in eight matches – a 50-year low – but would also put the club on the verge of an early Champions League exit at a cost of around £15m.
But under-fire Benitez has still defended his reign, simply saying: “I am very pleased to be here and I wish to be here for a long time.”