ROY HODGSON is considering taking a gamble by thrusting Fernando Torres into Liverpool’s squad tomorrow as he bids to secure a flying start to the new season.

Liverpool’s star striker only returned to Melwood on August 2 and his pre-season programme has been complicated by the fact he picked up an adductor injury during the World Cup final.

He has spent much of the last 12 days working in the gym and has not kicked a ball in competitive action since Spain beat Holland in Johannesburg on July 11 but his rehabilitation has gone smoothly.

What’s more, Hodgson knows how much of a psychological lift it would give to both his team-mates and the crowd if Torres takes a place on the bench against Arsenal and, as result, he is wrestling with a decision.

Hodgson will only name his team after training at Melwood today but, clearly, he is considering involving Torres, who despite being dogged by fitness issues last term still scored 18 goals.

“Torres has a chance,” said Hodgson, who is expected to start Dirk Kuyt. “He has made a remarkable effort to get himself fit and ready for Premier League football.

“He really has worked extremely hard in the two and a half weeks he has been back. I certainly don’t rule him out. But at the same time I haven’t ruled him in.