Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to play Fernando Torres in tonight's Carling Cup tie with Tottenham.

The Spanish ace will travel to White Hart Lane and may even start against Harry Redknapp's men.

Benitez said: "He will be in the squad and hopefully he can play. He could start.

"It is an important competition for us. We have players who are not always involved but have enough quality. They need games for match fitness because they could be needed later in the season."