West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola says Liverpool rely too much on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

Both players have spent time in the treatment room and the Reds have suffered as a result by fading from the race for a Champions League place.

West Ham travel to Anfield tonight knowing that Torres is out because of a knee injury and Zola offers a simple explanation for Liverpool's problems this season.

"Gerrard and Torres are massive players, when they are on the pitch it makes a big difference to Liverpool," he said.

"It's a pity they haven't been available for the whole season because of injuries and Liverpool's problems lie within that.

"Liverpool don't have the same number of players as Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea.

"When they are in good form they can be a really good team. They can stand with United and Chelsea.

"But Torres has had too many injuries and it's a big ask for them without him."