Reds duo to wait on ops

Torres: Playing through pain barrier

We must see how they can improve, and by how much. Then we will decide about any possible operation.

Benitez on Torres and Gerrard
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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez insists he is in no rush for star duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to have operations.

Torres is playing through the pain barrier to feature for the Reds while Gerrard is currently on the sidelines.

The Spanish striker is hampered by a groin-related injury and underwent tests at a Liverpool hospital on Thursday, while Gerrard has been struggling since aggravating a similar injury on international duty.

Benitez has revealed Torres was in great discomfort in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Lyon, although he still nearly completed 90 minutes.

Liverpool's boss is keen for the duo to return to full fitness, but is against booking them to see surgeons just yet as he hopes their conditions will improve.

Pain

"Fernando played with pain, and after the game he still had the same problems that have troubled him for a few weeks," explained Benitez.

"He wants to wait, rather than have an operation. He wants to work with the physios to try to solve his problems, but still he has pain.

"He told me he needed to keep stopping during the game because of the pain.

"Whether there is the need for him or Steven to have an operation is a decision we will probably not take straight away.

"We must see how they can improve, and by how much. Then we will decide about any possible operation."