Torres on track for derby date

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By Chris Burton   Last updated: 26th March 2008

fernando torres liverpool

Torres: Suffering at Old Trafford

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is optimistic that Fernando Torres will be fit enough to face Everton on Sunday.

The striker picked up knocks to his ankle and ribs during a bruising encounter with Manchester United at the weekend and was forced to sit out training for Spain on Monday ahead of their midweek game with Italy.

However, he has responded well to the rest and could feature for his country in the friendly against the world champions on Wednesday.

Benitez is obviously keen to have his 27-goal hit man available to him for the Toffees clash, while Torres will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the situation earlier in the season which saw him miss the Goodison Park encounter between the two sides after suffering a thigh injury while on international duty.

"We saw that every time he went for the ball on Sunday he was put under a lot of pressure, but at this moment I think he will be fit for Sunday," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.

"He lost one day with Spain but he's back now and I think he will be ready for the game (against Italy), and hopefully he'll then be available for us on Sunday."