Fernando Torres will undergo a scan on the groin injury he suffered during the World Cup final within the next 48 hours amid concerns that the Liverpool striker and Chelsea transfer target will be out of action for up to two months.
The Spain international sustained an injury to his left adductor in the closing moments of Sunday's victory over Holland, although he and Liverpool will not discover the full extent of the damage until a further examination has been made. Spain's return journey from South Africa and triumphant homecoming in Madrid prevented any assessment yesterday, although the initial indications are that Torres may be out until September.
The 26-year-old was troubled by a hernia problem late last year and also underwent two knee operations as Liverpool endured a miserable season. He returned after a six-week absence to play a part in Spain's first World Cup triumph, but a lack of match sharpness was obvious as the striker failed to score in the tournament and was only a late substitute in the final.
Torres's injury problems were well known before Chelsea began to explore the possibility of luring Liverpool's record signing away from Anfield this summer; whether his latest setback will deter their pursuit remains to be seen. Torres, photographed wearing a Liverpool scarf as he celebrated Spain's success in Soccer City on Sunday, has also interested Manchester City and Barcelona but only Chelsea have both the Champions League football and finance necessary to broker a deal.
The new Liverpool manager, Roy Hodgson, hopes to visit Torres in Spain this week as he attempts to convince the forward to remain at Anfield. The former Atlético Madrid captain is due to attend his sister's wedding this week before going on holiday. Torres and the other Liverpool players involved in the World Cup final – the goalkeeper José Reina and the Dutch pair Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel – have all been given three weeks off.
Liverpool continue to insist their leading striker is not for sale and it will take a formal transfer request from Torres for them to consider parting with their prized asset. The futures of Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano have also been in doubt since the end of last season, although Real Madrid's interest in the Liverpool captain has not so far produced a formal bid.
Two of the many lesser lights who could be leaving Anfield this summer are Emiliano Insúa and Nabil El Zhar. Hodgson has confirmed that talks with Fiorentina over a move for Insúa, the young Argentinian left-back who struggled last season after an encouraging start, began before his arrival at the club, while El Zhar has declared a desire to leave over his lack of first-team opportunities.
The Spain international sustained an injury to his left adductor in the closing moments of Sunday's victory over Holland, although he and Liverpool will not discover the full extent of the damage until a further examination has been made. Spain's return journey from South Africa and triumphant homecoming in Madrid prevented any assessment yesterday, although the initial indications are that Torres may be out until September.
The 26-year-old was troubled by a hernia problem late last year and also underwent two knee operations as Liverpool endured a miserable season. He returned after a six-week absence to play a part in Spain's first World Cup triumph, but a lack of match sharpness was obvious as the striker failed to score in the tournament and was only a late substitute in the final.
Torres's injury problems were well known before Chelsea began to explore the possibility of luring Liverpool's record signing away from Anfield this summer; whether his latest setback will deter their pursuit remains to be seen. Torres, photographed wearing a Liverpool scarf as he celebrated Spain's success in Soccer City on Sunday, has also interested Manchester City and Barcelona but only Chelsea have both the Champions League football and finance necessary to broker a deal.
The new Liverpool manager, Roy Hodgson, hopes to visit Torres in Spain this week as he attempts to convince the forward to remain at Anfield. The former Atlético Madrid captain is due to attend his sister's wedding this week before going on holiday. Torres and the other Liverpool players involved in the World Cup final – the goalkeeper José Reina and the Dutch pair Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel – have all been given three weeks off.
Liverpool continue to insist their leading striker is not for sale and it will take a formal transfer request from Torres for them to consider parting with their prized asset. The futures of Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano have also been in doubt since the end of last season, although Real Madrid's interest in the Liverpool captain has not so far produced a formal bid.
Two of the many lesser lights who could be leaving Anfield this summer are Emiliano Insúa and Nabil El Zhar. Hodgson has confirmed that talks with Fiorentina over a move for Insúa, the young Argentinian left-back who struggled last season after an encouraging start, began before his arrival at the club, while El Zhar has declared a desire to leave over his lack of first-team opportunities.
No comments:
Post a Comment