Spain call on Fernando Torres to delay Liverpool FC return
by Richard Buxton. Published Sun 14 Feb 2010 15:04
Spain's national team coach has called on Fernando Torres to delay his return for Liverpool from injury to ensure he is in peak condition for this summer's World Cup.
The striker is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained during last month's FA Cup defeat to Reading, which is expected to sideline him until the Reds' clash with Wigan Athletic on March 8.
However Vicente del Bosque has issued the plea to the former Atletico Madrid hitman to remain on the sidelines as long as possible in order to aid his country's bid to become world champions.
La Furia Roja are favourites to lift the crown after building on their Euro 2008 triumph by coasting to qualification for this summer's finals in South Africa and the former Real Madrid coach believes that resting Torres as much as possible will be key to his country's success.
He said: "The fewer games Fernando plays for his club, the better it will be for us.
"We want him not to play too many games, to recover completely for the World Cup and have had some rest in between. We'd like him fresh for the tournament.
"That can only be good news for Spain. We hope Liverpool's loss will be our gain. Fernando Torres represents a crucial part of our squad."
Del Bosque's comments are set to anger Kop boss Rafael Benitez with Torres missing most of the current campaign due to a groin injury picked up on international duty. The 25-year-old has scored only 12 goals during a season where Liverpool have struggled to maintain their grip on an automatic Champions League place.
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