Liverpool optimistic on Fernando Torres fitness

Liverpool are cautiously optimistic Fernando Torres will win his battle to be fit for Wednesday’s do-or-die battle against Lyon.

The Reds’ lethal weapon was controversially substituted during Saturday’s demoralising 3-1 defeat at Fulham, despite scoring his 10th goal of the campaign.

However, Rafa Benitez felt he had no option but to end his star striker’s afternoon early, as Torres had been a doubt for the game at Craven Cottage until just before kick-off.