Recently by Nick Smith

FERNANDO TORRES is confident he will be fit to take on Real Madrid.

Liverpool welcome Real for their first ever visit to Anfield on Tuesday in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

They lead 1-0 from the first leg in the Bernabeu, the game in which Torres sustained the ankle injury he is currently sidelined with.

LIVERPOOL suffered a fresh injury blow last night with the news that Alvaro Arbeloa will be out for at least 10 days.

FROM Madrid to Middlesbrough in the space of three days - a contrast that perfectly sums up the inconsistency of Liverpool's season.

RAFAEL BENITEZ is confident that his side will be in perfect shape for re-launching their title charge following a two-week break.

Liverpool ended a gruelling run of six games in 20 days with their 3-2 win at Portsmouth a fortnight ago and play the first of their 13 remaining league fixtures at home to Manchester City on Sunday.

Since then Benitez's side has fallen five points behind the Barclays Premier League leaders, with Manchester United beating Fulham 3-0 on Wednesday in their game in hand.

FABIO AURELIO has brushed off Liverpool's FA Cup exit by declaring: "Every game is a cup final now."

The Anfield side will be out of action in fifth-round weekend following their replay defeat to Everton last week.

But with 13 league games left to play, plus the two-legged last 16 Champions League tie with Real Madrid, their schedule is set to grow in intensity.