Rafa trusts Torres to take decision

Torres has had two spells out already this season

Fernando Torres is struggling to return to fitness ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Atletico Madrid.  The former Atletico captain was initially expected to return ahead of the Spurs game but couldn’t even make it to the bench for the fixture in North London.

Rafa Benitez appears to trust Torres enough to let him decide if he is ready to take part in the game – with a clear emotional aspect for Nando to return against his former club.

Rafa was pushed on the availability of his number 9 for the European clash, and said:

“It depends at the end on the player.

“If the player is confident you can take a risk, but if the player has no confidence you have to wait.

“If he has confidence tomorrow he can be there. It’s not a question of taking a risk and it’s not a question of delaying a decision or waiting.

“If he’s ready he has to play as soon as possible.”

Rumours suggest that Torres suffered a further strain during an extra weekend training session which has hindered his progress.  Liverpool fans will be horrified at the thought of Fernando being rushed back too soon – with the potential to risk injury ahead of our league clash at West Brom at the weekend.