According to the surgeon treating Fernando Torres, the Liverpool
striker could recover from his latest knee problem in as little as
a week, calming fears he could miss the remainder of the season for
his club and Spain's World Cup campaign.
Torres was unable to play in Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Fulham at
the weekend and has travelled to Barcelona for treatment, but Dr
Ramon Cugat has delivered a positive update on the fitness of
Liverpool's top scorer.
Torres was absent for a month in January due to his previous
knee injury and has been treated by Cugat in the past for hamstring
problems. He has only been able to start 20 of 34 league games,
scoring 18 times.
"The problem is not serious but he needs to stop and rest to
avoid more risk because it's the same knee on which he had surgery
in January," Dr Cugat told the Liverpool Echo.
"But in normal circumstances, he could be ready to play next
week, depending on how it settles down. The decision is now up to
Liverpool's medical staff and the manager."
Liverpool are yet to confirm their own prognosis, with a club
statement on Monday reading: "Fernando Torres was examined by a
knee specialist this afternoon in Spain. He received treatment and
will continue to do so over the next few days, with the injury
being reassessed later this week."
If Cugat's best-case scenario proves to be correct then Torres
could even feature on Monday night when Liverpool play West Ham in
the Premier League.
Liverpool then face his former club Atletico Madrid in the
semi-finals of the Europa League, with the first leg coming at
Vicente Calderon on April 22.
Injury forced Torres to miss both Champions League games against
Atleti in the 2008-09 season and he will be desperate to play a
part against the club where he is still idolised after becoming
their youngest ever player and captain.