Fernando Torres fit to play for Liverpool against Everton

Mar 27 2008

FERNANDO TORRES has shaken off any fears that he could be a doubt for the Merseyside derby by coming through a friendly run-out for Spain.

Liverpool’s top scorer was taken off after 49 minutes of the Spanish national team’s 1-0 win over Italy but, despite some rough treatment from Marco Materazzi, he emerged unscathed and was today returning to Merseyside to join up with the Reds squad ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Everton.

Torres’ early substitution caused some fears that he might have sustained an injury but we understand Rafa Benitez had an agreement with Spain boss Luis Aragones that his star striker would be taken off shortly after the start of the second half.

Benitez was today assessing the fitness of his international contingent ahead of naming his squad for the derby. but at this stage it appears the Liverpool boss has no new injury concerns – apart from the out of favour Harry Kewell.

Yossi Benayoun staked his claim for a first team recall with the goal in Israel’s 1-0 win over Chile and he will come into contention for a starting role with Javier Mascherano ruled out through suspension.

Benitez is weighing up his options and is considering the claims of Benayoun, Jermaine Pennant, Lucas and Peter Crouch before settling on his line-up for the derby.

Sami Hyypia, expected to put pen to paper on a new one-year deal at the weekend, and Steve Finnan also comes back into the reckoning after missing out at Manchester United. last Sunday.