Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard hopes Fernando Torres is fit for the second-leg of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

"It's been frustrating because I certainly love playing with him and from reading some of the things he's said, he loves playing with me," said the England midfielder.

"Ideally we want to end the season playing together and performing for the team.

"I spoke to him a couple of days ago and he seems very optimistic so fingers crossed he can pull through for Tuesday because you know how much I like playing against Everton, and I'm sure it's the same for him playing against Madrid."