Benitez: Torres' Injury Could Affect His World Cup Claim

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has warned that striker Fernando Torres' injuries are mounting up to such a degree that his fitness may not be one hundred per cent for Spain come next year's World Cup.

Torres was told last month to rest for three weeks, rather than have surgery for a plaguing hernia problem, by a specialist in Valencia, but the 25-year-old is still set to miss the clash with Blackburn on Saturday night.

Benitez fears this injury may persist all season and could cast doubt over the strikers involvement in South Africa.

He told The Guardian: "When you have this kind of problem it is very difficult.

"We were talking about how to manage it at a conference with four specialists the other day, and everyone had their own opinion, so it is not easy. In this case I think we have done the right things and you have to keep working during the season.

"Maybe he will be stronger in the second part of the season because he hasn't played too many games in the first half. After that, we have to analyze what his condition is. We will discuss it."

Benitez, however, remains confident that the star finisher will be able to come back and put his injuries to bed.

"We will have to keep an eye on him during the season but he can carry on. It will depend on each game but he has confidence and he is very positive and can carry on through the season," he said.

Omar Dabbagh, Goal.com