Reds hit by Torres injury blow
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres picks up injury on international duty
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Thursday, 16, Oct 2008 12:55
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres limped off with a suspected thigh injury in Spain's win over Belgium and is doubtful for his club's next two games.
The 24-year-old was forced off after just 16 minutes of last night's game, with reports in Spain suggesting he has suffered a reoccurrence of the thigh injury he picked up earlier this season.
That kept him out for two weeks and, although it is hoped the latest problem will last for only around ten days, he is considered highly unlikely to be fit for at least the next two matches.
If scans today confirm the suspected injury, Torres will be ruled out of this weekend's Premier League fixture against Wigan Athletic.
But, more significantly, he could miss next Wednesday's 'homecoming' game against former club Atletico Madrid in Spain in the Champions League.
In ten days' time the Reds also face title rivals Chelsea in a crucial fixture at Stamford Bridge and manager Rafael Benitez will be hoping to have their main goal threat fit for that.
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque described the injury as "a very big blow", hinting that the injury may be more severe.
"I am very sad for Torres," he added.
But Spain team doctor Oscar Celada confirmed to the Spanish media that the injury may only keep Torres out of action for around a week.
"He has intense pain in the back part of the thigh," Celada said.
"It is difficult to diagnose now exactly the extent, if it is a question of a strain or a small tear. If it is a strain then he could be out for about a week."