Liverpool midfielder Lucas recognises that Fernando Torres’ return to fitness is a ‘massive boost’.

The striker made his first appearance for several weeks when he came on as a substitute in Sunday’s goalless draw against Manchester City.

He had been sidelined with a knee problem picked up in the FA Cup defeat to Reading, the latest of several injuries to blight his progress this season.

It has been a frustrating campaign for Liverpool as well as Torres but Lucas believes the Spaniard can inspire his team-mates to a strong finish.

„Having Fernando on the pitch is not only a massive boost for us but it is also a great advantage against the opposition,” Lucas told the club’s official website.

„Fernando is our main goalscorer and defenders know they can’t give any chances away to him because he will take them.

„He gives us confidence because he scores a lot of goals and wins us games.

Yossi Benayoun also returned to action at the weekend and, with Glen Johnson nearing full fitness as well, Lucas is looking forward to the next couple of months.

He said: „We know how important they are for us. Yossi creates a lot of chances for us. He has great skill and ability and we are happy to have them back.

„We will also have Glen back in the next couple of weeks which is another great boost for us.

Liverpool’s immediate focus is Thursday’s Europa League clash with Unirea Urziceni in Romania.

The Reds have a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Anfield and Lucas is confident of finishing the job.

„We have the advantage and we didn’t concede an away goal, which is so important in Europe,” he said.

„We know it will be difficult as I thought they were well organised at Anfield, but they know they have to score and the game will be open. We hope to take advantage and score goals to take us through to the next stage.

„They have to attack us because if they don’t we will qualify and be in the last 16 of the Europa League. Hopefully we will have more space to attack them and finish the game off.”

Wayne Rooney’s headers, bookings for tall players and staying up with the fewest wins… it’s Martin Tyler.

Pictures from Sunday’s Premier League action where Aston Villa knock five past Burnley at Villa Park.

All the best pictures from Liverpool and Fulham’s Europa League games on Thursday night.

Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Wolves in 2004. Can you name the mystery starting XI?

Rafa Benitez has reiterated that he will not be rushing Fernando Torres back into his first-team plans.

Wayne Rooney’s headers, bookings for tall players and staying up with the fewest wins… it’s Martin Tyler.

Liverpool midfielder Lucas recognises that Fernando Torres’ return to fitness is a ‘massive boost’.

Ryan Babel is hoping he can now display his best form for Liverpool following talks with Rafa Benitez.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitiez maintains the Europa League is a big part of his plans for the rest of the season.

Read the article on Sky Sports

Lucas buoyed by Torres return

Liverpool midfielder Lucas recognises that Fernando Torres’ return to fitness is a ‘massive boost’.

The striker made his first appearance for several weeks when he came on as a substitute in Sunday’s goalless draw against Manchester City.

He had been sidelined with a knee problem picked up in the FA Cup defeat to Reading, the latest of several injuries to blight his progress this season.

It has been a frustrating campaign for Liverpool as well as Torres but Lucas believes the Spaniard can inspire his team-mates to a strong finish.

„Having Fernando on the pitch is not only a massive boost for us but it is also a great advantage against the opposition,” Lucas told the club’s official website.

„Fernando is our main goalscorer and defenders know they can’t give any chances away to him because he will take them.

„He gives us confidence because he scores a lot of goals and wins us games.

Yossi Benayoun also returned to action at the weekend and, with Glen Johnson nearing full fitness as well, Lucas is looking forward to the next couple of months.

He said: „We know how important they are for us. Yossi creates a lot of chances for us. He has great skill and ability and we are happy to have them back.

„We will also have Glen back in the next couple of weeks which is another great boost for us.

Liverpool’s immediate focus is Thursday’s Europa League clash with Unirea Urziceni in Romania.

The Reds have a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Anfield and Lucas is confident of finishing the job.

„We have the advantage and we didn’t concede an away goal, which is so important in Europe,” he said.

„We know it will be difficult as I thought they were well organised at Anfield, but they know they have to score and the game will be open. We hope to take advantage and score goals to take us through to the next stage.

„They have to attack us because if they don’t we will qualify and be in the last 16 of the Europa League. Hopefully we will have more space to attack them and finish the game off.”

Wayne Rooney’s headers, bookings for tall players and staying up with the fewest wins… it’s Martin Tyler.

Pictures from Sunday’s Premier League action where Aston Villa knock five past Burnley at Villa Park.

All the best pictures from Liverpool and Fulham’s Europa League games on Thursday night.

Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Wolves in 2004. Can you name the mystery starting XI?

Rafa Benitez has reiterated that he will not be rushing Fernando Torres back into his first-team plans.

Wayne Rooney’s headers, bookings for tall players and staying up with the fewest wins… it’s Martin Tyler.

Liverpool midfielder Lucas recognises that Fernando Torres’ return to fitness is a ‘massive boost’.

Ryan Babel is hoping he can now display his best form for Liverpool following talks with Rafa Benitez.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitiez maintains the Europa League is a big part of his plans for the rest of the season.

Read the article on Sky Sports

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