Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is positive over striker Fernando Torres being available for Sunday’s Merseyside derby with Everton at Anfield. The Spain ace had missed the Goodison Park outing with an adductor injury sustained on international duty.

Torres, who had suffered knocks to his ankle and ribs against Manchester United last Sunday but is now fit enough to train with his country ahead of tonight’s clash with Italy, has been the top-scorer for the Reds with 27 goals in his debut season following the summer move from Atletico Madrid.

Benitez said on the club’s official website: "We saw that every time he went for the ball on Sunday he was put under a lot of pressure, but at this moment I think he will be fit for Sunday.

"He lost one day with Spain but he's back now and I think he will be ready for the game, and hopefully he'll then be available for us on Sunday."