Torres closing in on fitness

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is confident striker Fernando Torres will be near full fitness for the derby cup clash with Everton on Sunday.

The Spaniard featured in the clash with the 1-1 Premier League clash with Everton on Monday and hit the post in the game.

“I was impressed with him on Monday,” Benitez told the club’s official website. “It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well.

“He is very close to full fitness – now it’s just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.

“You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That’s the key – getting the confidence.

“The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. Hopefully he can score this weekend.”

[Source: Liverpool’s official website]