Fernando Torres may not be fit for the Merseyside derby

Just as Liverpool supporters were hoping that Fernando Torres would be free from injury for the rest of the season, the Spaniard is once again on the sidelines and it is far from clear whether the player will be fit to play at Everton in just under a fortnight’s time.

It appears that Torres has another groin injury, something which has affected him several times in the past and the striker has pulled out of the Spain squad ahead of qualifying matches against Lithuania and Scotland.

“He (Torres) will have intensive treatment over the next couple of weeks, but it’s too early to say if he will be fit for the Everton game,” said Peter Brukner, Liverpool’s head of sports science.

Liverpool supporters will hope to have Torres fit for a match which is not only a Merseyside derby but a game that will determine which of the two rival teams remain in the Premier League relegation zone.

Everton clawed their way out of the bottom three last Saturday with a win over Birmingham and Liverpool’s 2-1 reverse at home to Blackpool means it has been just one win all season in the Premier League for Roy Hodgson’s team.

The defeat at home to the Tangerines saw many Liverpool supporters calling for Kanny Dalglish to be reinstated as manager at Anfield.