RAFAEL BENITEZ has told Fernando Torres not to let his heart rule his head when deciding if he is fit enough to face former club Atletico Madrid this evening.

The La Liga outfit visit Anfield for their Champions League group encounter with Liverpool aiming to take a significant step towards qualification for the knockout stages.

Torres missed the 1-1 draw between the teams at the Vicente Calderon a fortnight ago with the hamstring problem that has ruled him out of the last five games.

Benitez will consult with the 23-year-old before deciding to include him in tonight’s 18-man squad.

But the Liverpool manager yesterday hinted Torres will most likely only be fit enough for the bench.

“In a normal game, you would talk with a player, but in this game it is even more important that I talk to him because I’m sure that he will try and say ‘Yes, I want to play’,” said Benitez. “We have to decide if he is 100% fit or not, but the main word will be the player’s.

“Sometimes the players can be desperate to play, so you have to be careful, but in this case, I think that he has some experience. I will talk with him and see how he feels.

“Because it’s his hamstring, he has to decide with his head and not his heart.

“I would like to see him ready as soon as possible, that is very clear, but the team is playing well. Normally he would start, if he’s fit he will start. The question will be if he can be on the bench or not.”