Fernando Torres is reportedly suffering from a
hernia problem that will need surgery if he is
overplayed.
The Times claims the Liverpool medical staff have told Benitez
that the Spanish striker needs to be treated with kid gloves or he
will need an operation that will rule him out for two
months.
The inguinal hernia apparently developed while he was on
international duty in October and the striker has been playing in
pain and rationing his training ever since.
He was withdrawn after an hour against Fulham at the weekend and
will start against Lyon on Wednesday night.
Benitez admitted: "We are trying to manage, as he was close to
having an operation. Two days after the Fulham game, he is still
feeling something.
"He is not comfortable and hasn't got the power he had before,
so we have to try to protect him.
"Fernando cannot play well if you keep pushing him. Maybe if you
push him he will be injured for a long time."
Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of the crunch game against the
French side with a groin injury - which could need surgery - along
with Martin Skrtel.
Alberto Aquilani has been added to the squad despite still being
"weak" from a virus that kept him out of the game with the
Cottagers, while Daniel Agger and David Ngog will travel despite
carrying slight knocks.
