Liverpool striker Fernando Torres may have to undergo surgery to solve the injury problems which have been effecting him badly lately.

Torres picked up an inguinal hernia whilst on international duty with Spain last month and has struggled with fitness ever since, lasting just 63 minutes of Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Fulham.

Although Torres is expected to play through the pain in Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Lyon in France, the Spanish international could be set for a lengthly time on the sidelines.

This morning’s issue of The Times says:

Liverpool have attempted to mask the severity of Torres’s condition by nursing him through matches and allowing him to train only immediately before games, when his physical condition is deemed good enough. Since the 25-year-old suffered his latest setback, though, there have been real fears that he could need an operation

Liverpool are also currently suffering the loss of Steven Gerrard, who continues to remain out with a groin injury also picked up on international duty in October.

With these problems, as well as injuries to Albert Riera, Martin Kelly, Martin Skrtel, Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio, David Ngog and flu-victim Alberto Aquilani, Reds boss Rafa Benitez is facing somewhat of a gigantic injury crisis.