Various reports around that Fernando Torres may need surgery on a groin problem and could be out for up to two months. Under pressure manager Rafa Benitez, however, is prepared to put his star striker at risk and he travels to Lyon for the Champions League tie this evening despite the injury.

Already shorn of captain and talisman Gerrard, it seems a strange decision to jeopardise Torres’ immediate future as far as Sporting Fare is concerned – but then Rafa’s decision making this season hasn’t exactly been brilliant, has it.