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Rafa banking on Torres gamble
09:45, Nov 4 2009
Fernando Torres will carry the hopes of Liverpool on his shoulders on Wednesday, with boss Rafael Benitez praying his gamble to play the injured striker pays off.
Liverpool face group E leaders Lyon in the Stade Gerland knowing that only a victory will keep alive any realistic hopes of staying in the Champions League this season.
"Fernando is improving, we do not want him to have an operation so we are managing his fitness carefully," said Benitez.
"But he is getting better. He had some pain after he played, and scored, against Manchester United. But he was better after the Fulham game at the weekend, although he could still feel something wrong.
"I hope that he will be even better for this match. I said recently that 80 per cent of Fernando can win matches, I hope that is the case again."
But it is his own position as Liverpool boss that Benitez knows will come under further tough scrutiny if his walking wounded do lose to Lyon for the second time in a matter of weeks.
He says: "The players are working very hard, they are positive and determined. They know this result is important for the club, for everyone.
"But our fans have not turned. They are clever people, they know the position the club was in when I arrived and they know what position it is in now, they know this is the only way.
"It is important for everyone to see the bigger picture, I am sure things will change in a few weeks when we have our players fit again. When we have our big players available, everything will change.
"I do not accept that we have not signed good players, some may not have settled as quickly, but we are doing a good job."
Ancelotti: Title push still on track 14:45, Dec 27 2009
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti believes his side are still on track to win the Barclays Premier League title despite their alarming mid-season wobble. more
Strauss makes amends for Steyn damage 13:45, Dec 27 2009
Andrew Strauss almost single-handedly wiped out the damage inflicted by South Africa's last-wicket stand as England reached tea 59 without loss in reply to 343 at Kingsmead. more
Wildcats wounded after Rhinos rout 12:45, Dec 27 2009
Wakefield were counting the cost of their Boxing Day friendly at Leeds with new signing Terry Newton among the casualties of their 32-12 defeat. more
Steyn steers hosts to good total 12:45, Dec 27 2009
Dale Steyn dominated a last-wicket stand of 58 with Makhaya Ntini to alter the balance of the second Test on day two at Kingsmead. more
James 'flattered' by Spurs talk 10:45, Dec 27 2009
Portsmouth keeper David James admits he is "flattered" by reported interest from Tottenham as he looks to boost his World Cup chances. more
England make slow progress 10:45, Dec 27 2009
England eked out three wickets on an even second morning of the second Test at Kingsmead. more
Ancelotti takes heart from stalemate 09:45, Dec 27 2009
Carlo Ancelotti was determined to find the positives from Chelsea's goalless draw at Birmingham despite his side continuing their recent indifferent form. more
Coyle aims to retain Nugent 09:45, Dec 27 2009
Burnley manager Owen Coyle hopes a deal can be sorted out so that David Nugent will stay at Turf Moor when his loan deal ends next month. more
McCarthy frustrated over dismissal 09:45, Dec 27 2009
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was a frustrated man after his side had suffered a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool following a refereeing mix-up over the red card for defender Stephen Ward. more
Aussies in the ascendancy 09:45, Dec 27 2009
Pakistan were dealt a potentially decisive blow when skipper Mohammad Yousuf was dismissed with the penultimate ball of a day that belonged to Nathan Hauritz as Australia stamped their authority on the first Test. more
Mancini: Bellamy is my friend 09:45, Dec 27 2009
Roberto Mancini insists Craig Bellamy is his "friend" even though he left the Welsh striker out of his first Manchester City starting line-up. more
