Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has urged Liverpool's Fernando Torres to delay his return from injury. The striker returned to training in midweek following a lay-off with a knee problem and is line to return for the clash with Wigan on March 8.
European champions Spain are amongst the favourites to take the Word Cup crown in July and 59-year-old Del Bosque insists his country's chances would improve by Torres being kept out of action.
Torres' recent battle with a groin problem was sustained whilst on international duty with Spain, reigniting the club versus country row that provides the backdrop to national team fixtures.
del Bosque told the News of the World: "The fewer games Fernando plays for his club, the better it will be for us.
"We want him not to play too many games, to recover completely for the World Cup and have had some rest in between. We'd like him fresh for the tournament.
"That can only be good news for Spain. We hope Liverpool's loss will be our gain.
"Fernando Torres represents a crucial part of our squad."
