Rafa ready to unleash Torres

Torres: Ready for action

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes Fernando Torres will have benefited from his recent enforced spell on the sidelines.

The Spaniard has been left kicking his heels in the stands as his team-mates have made positive inroads at home and abroad.

The Reds remain well-placed to launch Premier League and UEFA Champions League bids, and have key men to welcome back into the fold.

None of those currently on the treatment table, though, will see their return lauded as roundly as Torres.

Liverpool have missed his cutting edge in front of goal while he recovered from a hamstring tear, but Benitez feels the 24-year-old was in need of a rest after his exhausting Euro 2008-winning exploits this summer.

Stronger

"Having him back fitter and stronger than before can have a massive effect on this team and help Liverpool a great deal," the Reds boss told the club's official website ahead of Torres' expected return against Tottenham in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

"It is true we were worried about his fitness when he came back after the summer and after such a long season he was not at his best level.

"But now he has had a rest and we are hoping to bring him back ready to play to his true level.

"We have managed to win in his absence and keep pace in the league and now we have Torres back fitter and stronger, so it has been a good period for us."