The dark clouds of injury concern have been gathering over Liverpool’s Melwood training ground all week. On Wednesday it was the Fernando Torres injury fears that first started worrying Rafa Benitez and us Fantasy mangers. Saturday’s international games have not only failed to allay these concerns; they’ve also added new ones…

Let’s take it from the start. Fernando Torres had complained of discomfort in his groin, which forced him to withdraw from Spain’s training session last Wednesday. Spain’s medical staff made clear that this had been merely a precautionary measure and, sure enough, the striker was in the starting lineup at Armenia on Saturday. However, he was withdrawn after 55 minutes with an adductor problem, which will be monitored over the next few days.

Elsewhere, Steven Gerrard had to be replaced halfway through England’s World Cup qualifier at Ukraine, due to another groin problem. Similarly, Dirk Kuyt travelled across the globe to have his involvement in Holland’s friendly against hosts Australia, cut to only 45 minutes. The forward had missed training all week with an ankle injury and now returns to England as another doubt for the weekend.

At least the prognosis for these injuries appear positive. The latest reports suggest that Steven Gerrard’s injury has been assessed, so he remains with the England squad. Spain’s doctor has predicted that Fernando Torres only needs some physical therapy in order to be ready in time even for Spain’s next game on Wednesday, although he vowed that the team will be prudent with his participation. Finally, Dirk Kuyt has returned home and, according to our site regular Crusher, he appeared confident – talking to the Dutch press – that he will have no problem ahead of the trip to Sunderland.

The fact that England, Spain and Holland have already qualified to the World Cup is also positive, as there is no need for Liverpool players to be risked any further. On another positive note, Daniel Agger completed his first full 90 minutes of the season, playing for Denmark against Sweden. Agger looked rusty but is set to become another option for Rafa at the back, with pressure on Skrtel’s starting role increasing as a result.