Fernando Torres to make Fiorentina return

Rafa Benitez has revealed he is hopeful of naming Fernando Torres amongst Liverpool’s substitutes for Wednesday’s encounter with Fiorentina at Anfield – but Albert Riera is a doubt.

The Spain striker has not figured for the Reds since the Champions League fixture in Lyon on November 4 due to a groin injury.

However, following a period of recuperation at Melwood, Torres is edging ever nearer to a first-team return.

“He took part in a full training session yesterday and he will train again today in a light session,” Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv. “If everything is okay, he will be on the bench (against Fiorentina).

“It will be better to have him on the bench, let him have a proper warm-up and afterwards give him some minutes.”

The Reds could be without Albert Riera after the winger sustained a knock against Blackburn.

Asked if he had any other fitness concerns following the weekend’s action, Benitez replied: “Riera had some problems, so we will have to wait and see how he reacts to treatment with the physios. The rest of the squad is okay.”

Meanwhile, the Spaniard confirmed Diego Cavalieri is in contention to make his third appearance of the season in the meeting with La Viola.

“It could be an opportunity for him,” said the gaffer. “We will analyse him in training today and maybe he will have a chance.”

B James Carroll, LiverpoolTv