Torres misses Liverpool's Hungary trip
Fernando Torres left out of Liverpool squad for crucial Champions League match with Hungary's Debrecen
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Monday, 23, Nov 2009 04:22
By Matthew Champion.
Fernando Torres has not travelled with the Liverpool squad for tomorrow's Champions League match with Hungarian champions Debrecen.
The striker has been left behind in order to give him a chance to recover from a persistent groin problem to feature in Sunday's Merseyside derby.
"We thought it'd be two or three weeks and he's only 12 or 13 days into that, so there's no point in him going," Rafael Benitez said.
"The next few days will decide if he is fit for Everton, but at this moment there are no guarantees."
Dutch forward Ryan Babel also misses out on Tuesday's group E clash, which Liverpool must win to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Victory will be meaningless however if Fiorentina beat group leaders Lyon.
In the event of any other result for the Serie A side and a Liverpool win in Hungary, then the Reds could yet qualify when they play the Viola on the final group stage match day on December 9th.
Benitez's side have endured a torrid season so far, losing five times in the Premier League and twice in the Champions League.