Rafael Benitez claims next Sunday is “too early” for striker’s return

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has rubbished claims made in the press today that Fernando Torres is in line for a return to first-team action against Manchester City a week on Sunday.

The striker has been out of action for over a month, after injuring a knee in the Reds shock FA Cup defeat to Reading, and although he is making good progress in his recovery, his manager doesn’t think he will be back in the Liverpool first-team for a few weeks yet.

Benitez said:

"I think it will be too early.

"He is training with the physios and the fitness coach, but he's still not involved with the team. We will see next week how he progresses."

Liverpool are 2/1 (VictorChandler) to beat City, in a match that will go a long way to determining who will finish in the top four of the Premier League