Torres boost for Reds

Injured stars back in training

Last updated: 14th February 2008

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Torres: Fitness boost

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Fernando Torres has handed Liverpool an injury boost by returning to training.

The club's top scorer missed last weekend's draw at Chelsea after suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty with Spain.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has declared Torres fit to face Internazionale in the Uefa Champions League next week and he is considering using him in this weekend's FA Cup tie with Barnsley.

Fit

"For Inter, Torres will be okay," Benitez told the club's official website. "We will have to check before Barnsley."

Benitez has also been boosted by the return to fitness of defensive trio Sami Hyypia, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio.

The Spaniard has promised to field a strong side against Barnsley and he is delighted to have his injured players back in contention.

"I need to consider both games but I know it's important to progress in the FA Cup, so I will try to use a strong team," added Benitez.

"Sami Hyypia is improving. He did the warm up and could be available, but we will have to analyse the situation.

"Torres also did the warm up, as well as Fabio Aurelio and Alvaro Arbeloa, and they are really close.

"Now it is about whether we will take the risk or not."