Benitez waits on star duo

Torres and Gerrard to return in '10 to 12 days'

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 4th September 2008

Benitez waits on star duo

Torres and Gerrard: Injury worries

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard face a race against time to be fit for the visit of Manchester United.

The Reds welcome their North West rivals to Anfield on 13th September, a match which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1, but Benitez may be forced to plot the downfall of Sir Alex Ferguson's men without star striker Torres and captain Gerrard.

Torres is recovering from a hamstring injury while Gerrard is undergoing a rehabilitation period following a groin operation and Benitez - who has yet to defeat United in the league - has revealed that it could be between 10 and 12 days before the duo are fully fit.

Both players have returned to light training but, with the United's arrival on Merseyside only nine days away, it would appear that the pair are struggling to recover in time for one of the biggest games of the English top-flight calendar.

Barry failure

"Both players are now jogging and will be out for 10 to 12 days, Benitez told Liverpool's official website. "Gerrard might be back before Torres but you never know."

Meanwhile, Benitez insists that the arrival of former Espanyol winger Albert Riera on transfer deadline day was not due to the failure to land long-term target Gareth Barry.

"Gareth Barry is totally different," Benitez told Sky Sports News. "Riera is a winger.

"We needed another option in the wide areas. He will be a winger."

Riera reaction

And Spanish international Riera, who endured an unsuccessful loan spell at Manchester City in 2006, is keen to not be remembered for his first stint in England.

"That was a different moment," Riera added. "I went to Manchester City in January and we were playing for a place in the middle of the table.

"I was 22 but now I have three years more experience and this is very important in football.

"I am now more prepared to play for a big club like Liverpool and I also know the Premier League.

"I think I am better now. I have made good progress and I want to continue this progress here."