Fernando Torres to have late fitness test on Saturday ahead of crucial Merseyide derby

Fernando Torres will have a fitness test tomorrow to decide if he can start Sunday’s 212th Merseyside derby.

Torres has been struggling for weeks with a hernia problem and managed to train today at Melwood.

Rafa Benitez is encouraged by the striker’s progress and will assess him tomorrow 24 hours before kick-off at Goodison.

“He’s training with the fitness coaches and we will test him tomorrow,” said the Liverpool manager.

“We will see then if he is available for the game. If he’s OK, that would be good. We will see tomorrow what the situation is.”

Benitez is desperate to have Torres available as he bids to halt Liverpool’s woeful run of just two wins in 11 games and the Spaniard scored both goals in the Reds’ 2-0 win at Goodison last season.

“It’s an important game, a massive game,” said Benitez. “If we can play him, and he’s keen to do it, then we will do it.”

Defeat would pile even more pressure on Benitez following Liverpool’s Champions League exit and he is determined to remain cool.

“It’s important to win for the fans and to get higher up the table,” he said. “I have to focus on my job and that is to support the players if necessary and stay calm.

“It will be a physical game and we have to do things right. It would give everyone a lift if we could win and give us confidence to take into the next game.

“I know we are a good team and that we can beat anyone when we are playing well and have everybody available.”

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