Reds duo set to return

Benitez and Torres recovering well

Last updated: 23rd December 2008

Reds duo set to return

Torres and Benitez: Improving

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez should be back in the dugout on Boxing Day and striker Fernando Torres is closing in on a comeback.

Benitez, who underwent an operation to remove kidney stones last week, was absent from the touchline for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal with Sammy Lee again deputising in his absence in Tuesday's press conference.

The Spaniard, who kept in touch with the bench at Emirates Stadium via mobile phone, is expected to have recovered sufficiently in time for the home meeting with Bolton.

The clash with the Trotters may come too soon for Torres, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury since the end of November, but he is back in full training and improving with every day.

Battle plan

Lee said: "Rafa is a lot better, he's on the mend. He has been in a lot of pain but he is improving.

"His presence is always missed, but the organisation he has put in place is such that even though he has not been here this week, the battle plan is still there.

"We know what we have to do, the game plan is there, it is business as usual. He is missed and hopefully he will be back with us for the Bolton game.

"He is a hands-on manager, it is hurting him more being away from the training ground really, but he will be back soon."

Improved

Lee was less forthcoming over Torres' return, the 24-year-old having now missed five matches after suffering a recurrence of the injury that ruled him out for six games earlier in the campaign.

But having been insistent that Torres would not figure at the Emirates on Sunday, Lee stresses that the situation is improving.

He said: "Fernando's progressed and has markedly improved. He is getting better. He improves with every training session and he has worked very hard on his rehabilitation.

"We will put him in when we see fit, that's not evasive but I don't want to start revealing our line-up."