Spanish national team coach Vicente del Bosque has
urged Fernando Torres to delay his return from injury with
Liverpool.
Torres 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 the 59-year-old says his country's
chances are improved by Torres being kept out of action.
The comments could anger Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who has
seen his talisman play just 21 times this season.
He has notched 12 goals during an injury ravaged campaign that
has seen the club struggle to hold onto the coveted fourth
Champions League place.
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.
But del Bosque wants the 25-year-old to play less for the
Merseysiders in an attempt to keep him in top condition for this
summer's finals in South Africa.
He 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."