FERNANDO TORRES is still poised for an emotional return to Atletico Madrid after the specialist treating his injured knee ruled the striker could be back in action next week.

The Spain international missed Liverpool’s damaging goalless draw at home to Fulham on Sunday, instead travelling to Barcelona for treatment from Dr Ramon Cugat.

Torres was ruled out for a month with an injury to the same knee earlier in the season and there had been speculation this latest problem could rule him out of the remainder of the campaign and even the World Cup finals.

It also threatened his first return to former club Atletico, from whom Liverpool signed the forward almost three years ago, in their Europa League semi-final showdown.

However, Dr Cugat – who also supervised the player’s recovery from hamstring problems earlier in the season – believes Torres should be available for the first-leg clash in Madrid tomorrow week.

Dr Cugat said: “The problem is not serious but he needs to stop and rest to avoid more risk because it’s the same knee on which he had surgery in January. But in normal circumstances, he could be ready to play next week, depending on how it settles down. The decision is now up to Liverpool’s medical staff and the manager.”

Torres could even feature in Liverpool’s next game at home to West Ham United on Monday, with the Anfield outfit requiring victory to keep alive any hope of an unlikely Champions League qualification. But Rafael Benitez may instead choose not to risk the forward ahead of his return to the Vicente Calderon, with Torres having missed both Champions League group meetings against Atletico last season through injury.

One player who is also hopeful of coming into consideration for the trip to Madrid is Martin Skrtel.