Jamie Carragher has expressed his delight at Fernando Torres’ return to Liverpool’s starting line-up, describing the striker as „special”.
Torres, starting his first game for the club since having surgery on a knee injury sustained against Reading on the 13th of January, scored the winner in the Reds’ 2-1 victory over Blackburn on Sunday.
The goal was the Spaniard’s 13th in 15 starts in the league this season, and despite missing almost half of his side’s league games, he remains Liverpool’s top scorer, demonstrating his importance to Reds boss Rafa Benitez’s plans.
The 25-year-old was selected in the Spain squad for their World Cup warm-up match against France on Wednesday, and Carragher is desperate to see their star striker come through the match unscathed to help Liverpool’s push for a UEFA Champions League place.
„Fernando has come back in and it goes without saying how much we have missed him,” Carragher told the Liverpool Echo.
„He is still our top scorer, the kind of special player who will make a difference.
„He’s a big powerful lad, who is right up for the fight, and he’s ideally suited to English football. That’s why he’s done so well.”
Torres has been hampered by injuries, with the striker being sidelined for several parts of Liverpool’s last two league campaigns, and after sustaining an injury in training for Spain in October last year, Carragher is looking to the heavens for him not to suffer the same fate.
„It would be wrong to rely on just one man. After all, you never know, he could come back injured off international duty,” he added.
Glen Johnson, who has yet to make an appearance this year after sustaining a knee injury, could be fit to return to the side for Liverpool’s trip to Wigan next Monday.
However, Benitez has suffered more concerns with Martin Skrtel being ruled out for several weeks after breaking a metatarsal against Unirea Urziceni, Daniel Agger leaving Anfield on crutches and Fabio Aurelio limping out of action on Sunday.
But Carragher was positive that Johnson’s comeback could galvanise the team with the return of some of their most important players.
„Glen will be back soon, maybe in time for Wigan, and things are looking a bit more rosy,” he said.
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Carra hails Torres return
Jamie Carragher has expressed his delight at Fernando Torres’ return to Liverpool’s starting line-up, describing the striker as „special”.
Torres, starting his first game for the club since having surgery on a knee injury sustained against Reading on the 13th of January, scored the winner in the Reds’ 2-1 victory over Blackburn on Sunday.
The goal was the Spaniard’s 13th in 15 starts in the league this season, and despite missing almost half of his side’s league games, he remains Liverpool’s top scorer, demonstrating his importance to Reds boss Rafa Benitez’s plans.
The 25-year-old was selected in the Spain squad for their World Cup warm-up match against France on Wednesday, and Carragher is desperate to see their star striker come through the match unscathed to help Liverpool’s push for a UEFA Champions League place.
„Fernando has come back in and it goes without saying how much we have missed him,” Carragher told the Liverpool Echo.
„He is still our top scorer, the kind of special player who will make a difference.
„He’s a big powerful lad, who is right up for the fight, and he’s ideally suited to English football. That’s why he’s done so well.”
Torres has been hampered by injuries, with the striker being sidelined for several parts of Liverpool’s last two league campaigns, and after sustaining an injury in training for Spain in October last year, Carragher is looking to the heavens for him not to suffer the same fate.
„It would be wrong to rely on just one man. After all, you never know, he could come back injured off international duty,” he added.
Glen Johnson, who has yet to make an appearance this year after sustaining a knee injury, could be fit to return to the side for Liverpool’s trip to Wigan next Monday.
However, Benitez has suffered more concerns with Martin Skrtel being ruled out for several weeks after breaking a metatarsal against Unirea Urziceni, Daniel Agger leaving Anfield on crutches and Fabio Aurelio limping out of action on Sunday.
But Carragher was positive that Johnson’s comeback could galvanise the team with the return of some of their most important players.
„Glen will be back soon, maybe in time for Wigan, and things are looking a bit more rosy,” he said.
All the action from the Europa League games on Thursday night involving sides from England.
The Premier League contenders for the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month for February have been announced.
Wayne Rooney’s headers, bookings for tall players and staying up with the fewest wins… it’s Martin Tyler.
Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Wolves in 2004. Can you name the mystery starting XI?
Rafa Benitez was left frustrated at Blackburn’s robust style as Liverpool recorded a narrow 2-1 win.
Liverpool overcame a stubborn Blackburn Rovers side 2-1 at Anfield to keep the pressure on their rivals for that coveted fourth spot.
Stand-in England captain Steven Gerrard believes Fabio Capello has restored the players’ belief in their own ability.
Liverpool have signed QPR and England youth international midfielder Raheem Sterling for an undisclosed fee.
Sam Allardyce has accused Rafael Benitez of being a hypocrite in light of Liverpool’s recent form.
