Benitez waits on Torres

Spanish striker to have hamstring scan on Monday

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 1st September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Benitez waits on Torres

Benitez: Frustrated

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is sweating on the fitness of Fernando Torres following his side's goalless draw at Aston Villa.

The Reds were held to an uninspiring 0-0 draw away to Aston Villa on Sunday as Benitez's side lost their 100 per cent start to the season and missed out on the opportunity to move to the top of the Premier League.

Benitez's disappointment increased as Torres was forced out of the match in the first half with a suspected hamstring strain.

Hope

And the Anfield boss, who is already without captain Steven Gerrard, is hopeful Torres will recover in time for Liverpool's next Premier League outing, at home to Manchester United on 13th September.

"We don't know how long Torres will be out for yet," Benitez told Liverpool's official website. "We'll have to wait for the results of the scan on Monday.

"It could be he is out for seven to 10 days, but until he has the scan we won't know."

Having received their perennial tip to end an 18-year wait for a league title, Benitez confesses his team need to up their game after failing to produce a shot on target at Villa Park.

Riera arrival

"We were controlling and creating the opportunity for the final pass," Benitez told Sky Sports 1. "We have to improve the final pass and that could be the difference."

The improvement Benitez is keen to see could be provided by the £8million arrival of Espanyol winger Albert Riera.

And Benitez is confident the deal will be completed before the end of the transfer window on Monday and does not expect to make any other new signings.

"I think so," said Benitez when asked if Riera will be Liverpool's final new face of the transfer window. "He will be a good addition. It is nearly done."