Rafael Benitez refuted claims that Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will be out of action for longer than expected. "Fernando is progressing and improving so hopefully he will be back sooner rather than later," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv.

Earlier this week, the Spanish hitman was back in Spain to see a specialist about his hamstring problem and the manager said it was a very beneficial trip.

"It was just to confirm our diagnosis was right and that is the case," said the boss.

"The injury was a relapse of the one he had before. The specialist has known Torres for a long time and he also has a good relationship with our physios who are working hard with him."