Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is expected to be passed fit for this weekend's derby against Everton.

Torres was taken off after 49 minutes of the Spanish national team's 1-0 win over Italy but, despite some rough treatment from Marco Materazzi, he emerged unscathed and was today returning to Merseyside to join up with the Reds squad ahead of Sunday's meeting with Everton.

The Liverpool Echo says Rafa Benitez had an agreement with Spain boss Luis Aragones that his star striker would be taken off shortly after the start of the second half.