Rafael Benitez expects to have Fernando Torres available for Liverpool’s next Premier League clash at home to Aston Villa on Monday night.

The Spanish striker was forced to receive stitches on his eyebrow following an incident during the Reds’ 4-0 victory over Stoke City on Wednesday night.

But Benitez says he has assessed Torres’ situation and expects him to start at Anfield on 24th August.

“He has some stitches but he’s okay,” said Benitez. “He’s training with his teammates and I think he’ll be okay for Monday.”

Meanwhile defender Martin Skrtel has resumed training following his cracked jaw in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last Sunday, but Benitez is unsure whether he’ll have the Slovakian defender available on Monday night.

‘œHe’s training,’ Benitez continued. ‘œWe had to decide the other day but it was too soon to take any risks. Okay, we’ll see on Monday.’