Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger sees Liverpool striker Fernando Torres as key to the Reds challenge for the Premier League title. Torres has not played since the end of November because of a hamstring problem and will again sit out Sunday's trip to Emirates Stadium.

"If you ask them, they will want Torres on the pitch so they will not be stronger without Torres in the long term," said the Gunners boss.

"In the short term, sometimes you can stay without your stronger players - but if that should last until March or April of course it will be detrimental to their chances.

"I believe if it is only a hamstring problem he will back in January."