Liverpool plan to unwrap Fernando Torres and wrap up the title

Liverpool have warned their rivals the return of Fernando Torres can bring them a first title since 1990.

Rafa Benitez's men lead the table going into the Christmas programme despite Torres being sidelined for a month and are ready for an even stronger second half to their campaign.

The Spain striker could be on the bench for the visit of Bolton on Boxing Day, and assistant boss Sammy Lee was confident that would fire up his team-mates.

With centre-back Martin Skrtel also ready to return Lee said: "When you have a world-class performer ready to come in, then of course it makes you better, and gives everyone a lift.

"The class of Torres would obviously be missed by any team, and when he's available for us he'll be a massive addition.

"I know that at the start of the season no one else thought we could be top of the table...but we did. We don't prepare for failure, we believed we could be top, and we believe we can stay there.

"We're not surprised at the position we are in. I don't want to sound conceited, but we're in a position we expected to be in."

Boss Benitez is still not back at his desk after having further treatment for kidney stones, but is likely to return for training on Christmas Day and be in the dugout for the clash with Wanderers.

Liverpool will have an almost full-strength squad to choose from with Javier Mascherano recovered from illness, and Benitez will leave it late to see if Torres is fit enough after his torn hamstring to be named as a substitute.

Torres has missed almost two months of the season - and 14 matches - with three separate hamstring injuries.

He will make a gentle return to first-team action and it is more likely he will feature at Newcastle on December 28 rather than on Boxing Day.

Lee added: "Torres is improving. He's been working very, very hard with his rehabilitation.

"I don't want to give any clues as to when he will be back, but his rehab is going well, and he's in with the rest of the lads now.

"As regards the Christmas period, I will say his rehab is coming on well.

"You have to try to take the positives from any negative situation. It wasn't nice to have him injured or missing but that's football. It's the nature of the game, and he has had a break and will be back fresh now.

"I think it speaks volumes for the squad that they have managed to get to the top without Fernando for long periods.

"It's Christmas and we are still top.

"That shows the commitment, desire, character and togetherness of this football club."

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