Reds set for Spanish boost

Euro champions set to join pre-season preparations

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 23rd July 2008

Torres Fernando

Torres: Back in the fold

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Liverpool's Spanish contingent will be back in training on Friday following their Euro 2008 exploits.

Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa helped their country claim European Championship glory this summer, and were granted extended leave in order to recover from the tournament.

However, they are now set to join up with their domestic team-mates as the pre-season preparations hot up ahead of the new campaign.

Rafa Benitez is delighted to welcome the quartet back in to the fold, especially as he saw his side struggle for long periods during a 0-0 draw with Hertha Berlin on Tuesday.

"All the Spanish players will be back in training with us on Friday," he told the club's official website.

"Torres will be one of them and hopefully we will see the difference in our play because of the quality these players showed last season."

Positive

Benitez, who saw an Andriy Voronin penalty saved during the game against Hertha, still believes that there are plenty of positives which can be taken from their latest friendly encounter.

"Diego (Cavalieri) showed the quality he has with some good saves," said the Reds boss.

"I thought the game was played at a high tempo and both teams were working hard. We had chances and they did too, so a draw was probably a fair result.

"We made some mistakes but that is normal for pre-season. We also did some really good things.

"When you have four or five players who normally play not available it's not always easy to play at your highest level, but the young players have done well.

"The players have worked hard in the training camp and that is a positive for us."

Prem Top Goalscorer 2008/09: Torres, F. 3/1