Fernando Torres Returns to Liverpool for Injury Assessment

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will return to the club on Friday, where he will undergo further treatment on his injured knee.

The 26-year-old has been in Spain this week for specialist treatment from Dr. Ramon Cugat, the same surgeon who performed an operation on Torres’ torn meniscus in January.

Cugat said on Tuesday that five days rest could enable the Spanish international to overcome the injury, but Rafael Benitezand his medical staff will assess him at the club’s Melwood training ground before deciding whether to risk him against West Ham United on Monday.

Torres is keen to be involved with the club’s Europa League semifinal against his former club Atletico Madrid next Thursday, but both his Liverpool and the Spanish national team are keen not to rush him back too soon and risk further damage.

With the World Cup less than two months away, Spain are particularly keen to see their star striker properly rested.

“Until the rest period imposed by the doctor has passed, we will not know the extent of the injury,” said the Spanish Football Federation’s sporting director Fernando Hierro, according to the Press Association.

“I talk to Torres every day and he is optimistic. I am too. Hopefully the problem is due to a knock, because it reduces the risk.”

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