Fernando Torres is resisting calls from the Spanish FA to undergo a hernia op in order to rescue Liverpool's season.

The Mirror says the Spanish striker is ready to delay an operation to continue playing during a crisis time for the Anfield club.

Manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that Torres has still not recovered fully from the abdominal injury which has blighted his season, and caused him to miss much of November.

The Liverpool boss explained that his star striker needs constant treatment as he strives to recover from the injury which is a major threat to his season in what is a vital World Cup year.

Torres could undergo an operation immediately to resolve the problem, which would leave him clear to go to South Africa with Spain.

But instead, he is ready to risk the possibility of being injured in June, when the Finals come around, as he refuses to go under the knife now in an attempt to help Liverpool through the crucial Christmas programme.