Fernando Torres is a major doubt for the weekend clash with Everton after suffering a torn a muscle in his thigh whilst away on International duty with Spain. The striker pulled up in training and the Spanish doctors have since confirmed that he is due to be out of action for up to 10 days. So, just when a game crops up that we’re 92% sure Rafa wouldn’t dare rest Torres for, the striker goes and rules himself out with an injury.

Without Torres, Rafa would have choose between Voronin and Crouch to partner Kuyt for the derby clash with Voronin perhaps the preferred option.

Elsewhere at Anfield, Fantasy Managers will be pleased to hear that Rafa’s rotation options are likely to be expanded by the return of Harry Kewell. He’s nearing a return to fitness and will return to full training this week after suffering a groin injury whilst on International duty in the Summer. Kewell’s return would give him Rafa all kinds of options on the left where he’d have Babel, Riise, Aurellio and perhaps even Benayoun to shuffle around, selection options that are likely to have a ripple effect throughout the entire lineup. Great news eh?