Fernando Torres has apparently returned to training this morning. Torres suffered a thigh muscle injury in the draw with Arsenal last weekend and was expected to be out for at least 3-weeks. Now however, it looks like he could return ahead of schedule and may even come into contention for Liverpool’s crucial Champions League clash with Beziktas tomorrow night. It would certainly be a risk on Rafa’s part but, given that Liverpool desperately need goals and have been seen to struggle to take their chances without the Spaniard, it could certainly be on the cards.

The news comes on the same day that two of Liverpool’s other strikers have been the focus of news stories. Dirk Kuyt has come under a wave of criticism for failing to take his opportunities at Blackburn. Rafa has made it clear today he intends to stand by the Dutchman.

“He is creating chances. When you have a player who can create three or four chances for himself, normally sometimes he will score so I think I must be pleased and positive with Kuyt”, remarked Benitez.

The backlash against Kuyt is compounded by the impact made by Crouch in his sub appearance at Ewood. Crouch created several chances as well as having a header cleared off the line in his 18-minutes on the pitch. However, rather than strengthen his case to get into the starting lineup, his cameo performance may only reinforce Rafa’s opinion on the role he seems to have set aside for Crouch.

“It could be that Crouch is useful as an impact player,” said Benitez. “Some players are like that, they can make a contribution off the bench”.

A January departure for Crouch surely beckons. Meanwhile, should Liverpool’s grip on a Champions League progression loosen further tomorrow night, we could see Torres get a straight run of games right to the end of the Premiership campaign without the threat of rotation. That would see his value to fantasy managers rise considerably.