Benitez confident over Torres

Benitez: Torres assessment

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Rafa Benitez expects Fernando Torres to be fit to face Birmingham on Monday, but admits Steven Gerrard is doubtful.

Both are suffering from groin injuries and will be given the chance to prove their fitness ahead of the Anfield clash.

However the Reds boss does not expect either player to be selected for international duty this month and said the Liverpool captain is more of a doubt than his Spanish striker.

"Yesterday Gerrard was training and working with the physios. Will he be fit or just available? We don't know yet," he said.

"Torres has been to Spain to see a specialist and we have discussed it all with our medical staff. He is a little better than he was before."

Doubts

Benitez does have players coming back who could also be ready for the Premier League game versus Alex McLeish's men.

Fabio Aurelio, Albert Riera and Martin Skrtel are all training, however there are still doubts over defensive duo Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly.

"The injury situation is improving, several players have been in light training and hopefully they will be able to do more over the next few days.

"Then we will see whether they can be available. There is a big difference though, between being fit and being available."

The Liverpool chief has come under criticism for playing a half-fit Torres but Benitez says his striker will continue to train and work with the physios and could be ready to start against Birmingham in the Premier League clash.

"Sometimes it is clear he is not fully fit. But he is improving," he added.