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Liverpool's Fernando Torres distraught - Source: Reuters -
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Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has a hernia that could require surgery if overplayed, British newpaper The Times is reporting.
It is though Liverpool's medical staff delivered the injury blow during the build-up to Thursday's crucial Champions League clash against Lyon.
Inspiration skipper Steven Gerrard is out of the clash because of an on-going groin problem, and joins a growing injury list that already includes Fabio Aurelio, Albert Riera, Martin Skrtle, Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson.
Due to the importance of the crucial clash, Torres has been included in the squad that will fly out to France on Tuesday, and his is also likely to start the game and play through the pain.
But the hernia has been affecting Torres since he went on international duty with Spain in early October.
It is believed that Liverpool have tried to mask the severity of his condition by nursing him through matches and allowing him to train only before games, when his fitness is deemed good enough, but there are now fears the 25-year-old could need an operation.
It is hoped that the combination of restricting the striker's appearances and occasionally allowing him to miss training will allow Torres the time he needs to avoid surgery.
"I was surprised with the critics after the game because Fernando has had problems in the last month after the international games," Benítez said after Torres was substituted after just 60 minutes of Liverpool's 3-1 loss to Fulham.
"We are trying to manage because he was close to having an operation.
"He is not comfortable. He has not got the power he had before, so we have to manage and try to protect him. He cannot play well if you keep pushing him. Maybe if you push him he will be injured for a long time.
"So, I am really surprised with the critics. When you talk about big names, people just analyse the names and not how the player is when he is on the pitch. He was not 100 per cent fit. We have to take Fernando to Lyon because we don't have too many options."
