Rafa facing Torres decision

Benitez concerned over risk after losing Gerrard for three weeks

Last updated: 6th February 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rafa facing Torres decision

Torres: Fit but tired

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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez admits he faces a big decision over whether to play Fernando Torres at Portsmouth on Saturday as the Reds look to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Liverpool are already without captain Steven Gerrard, who faces three weeks out of action with a small hamstring tear sustained in Wednesday night's FA Cup defeat by Everton.

"It's around three weeks, it depends on each player. The doctor and physios are working very hard with him now," confirmed Benitez.

The Liverpool boss is concerned not to push Torres too hard and risk losing another key player at a critical stage of the season.

Goals

The striker has already missed two lengthy spells this season with hamstring trouble but his goals are needed if Liverpool are to keep United, who have a two point lead at the top of the table and a game in hand, in their sights.

"He's fit but tired. We will see if he's ready for tomorrow," Benitez told Sky Sports News.

"When you have some players playing a lot of games in a row it's difficult for them to manage. You have to rest players and if you can't it's a big risk.

"We will talk to him in training and see how he feels. All the players are a little bit tired so we have to make decisions for the next game and Torres will be one of the big decisions."