Fernando Torres: I can't cope with 90 minutes yet - Liverpool FC latest
FERNANDO TORRES is taking a cautious approach towards proving his fitness for Monday's Merseyside derby.
The league meeting at Anfield is the first of two in a week against neighbours Everton with the FA Cup fourth round tie following on the Sunday.
But Torres is hesitant to commit himself to starting in either of those games, despite his encouraging return from the hamstring injury that ruled him out for the whole of December.
The Spaniard, who was voted third in the FIFA world player of the year awards on Monday, made a goalscoring return during a 15-minute sub appearance against Preston in the FA Cup and he also came on in the later stages of the 0-0 draw at Stoke on Saturday.
Torres insists he is itching to get back into the starting line-up, but is doubtful that he can complete a full game.
"Of course I want to be in the first XI," he said.
"I don't know if I can play 90 minutes yet but for sure I can be in the squad.
"I feel much better, and I hope to come back to play in the first XI as soon as possible. Then I can forget the injuries and start to play again for Liverpool who are in a very good position this year.
"I didn't do pre-season properly after the Euros, the season started too soon and you are trying to keep the best physical stamina but it's difficult when you have to play three games a week. Now I want to stay a perfect 100%, and not get injured again."
Torres has scored three times in his two previous Merseyside derby appearances, including both goals in the 2-0 victory at Goodison in September.
On that occasion he partnered Robbie Keane up front and it was the Irishman's cross that teed up the opening goal.
Torres felt that game proved they could function together as a partnership although they haven't had chance to strike up any kind of understanding due to his injury problems and the fact that Keane has struggled to guarantee himself a starting place.
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But it doesn't stop him expressing confidence that they can both make a impact when selected in the same side.
Torres said: "Yes, sure we can play together - but the boss decides, he's the manager and he's a fantastic manager.
"Sometimes not all the players can play together in the same team.
"But I have played with Robbie a lot of times and we've scored goals when we've played together.
"I think we are going to play together, but it will be depending on the game," he added.
Meanwhile, manager Rafael Benitez yesterday confirmed that he has reached an agreement over the length and salary of his new contract - but not over his role.
"We have agreed the length of contract and we have agreed the salary," said Benitez.
"Now we have to discuss my role and my responsibilities as manager of the club.
"But we haven't had the opportunity to do that."
Benitez also insisted he is not on a collision course with American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett - although they are reluctant to grant him complete control over transfers and a greater say in the running of the Academy.
"I don't have any problems at all with the American owners," he said.
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we should have picked a team to pose problems for stoke rather than fielding a side designed to negate what few strengths they have. Keane is being treated shamefully and for all Kuyt's willing effort and tirelss running, the goals have dried up and his first touch remains embarrassingly poor.
Midfield wa dsiappointing. Lucas is a one-dimensional player with no one outstanding attribute (passing,speed, shooting,game intelligence etc) and I wonder how long we can persist with him. Wilson Palacios of Wigan should replce him
Babel, despite his high opinion of himself, continues to disappoint.
Having seen many games this season, some tactics have been questionable, but we're top and yes we could have done better at home against smaller sides.
The Stoke game away we were lucky to get away with a draw, even though we could have snatched it with Stevie G at the end. Sad when we're relying on a breakaway to beat Stoke!!
The whole game Stoke had us in their back pocket and there was no use in any striker coming on, if you don't fix the obvious issue of being unable to get the ball to the front men.
Dropping Gerrard into midfield (as a ball player) replacing one of our one dimensional ball winners may have offered a better option, but who knows whats going on!!! and no I'm not a doubter, but as all Reds fans get a little frustrated, when we find ourselves offering little threat.
Keep it going Rafa and the Boys, but have a bit of nous when its not working - COME ON U RED MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!