Liverpool look set to be without striker Fernando Torres for Saturday’s visit of Manchester City in the Premier League.

The Spanish international has been struggling with a “sportman’s hernia” since October’s international break and was forced to miss the Reds’ last league game – the 2-2 draw with Birmingham at Anfield.

And now it looks like Torres will be forced to spend more time on the sidelines as the club’s medical team nurture his injury with care, hopeful that surgery will not be necessary.

Boss Rafa Benitez today confirmed “Fernando Torres is training with the physios, so I don’t think he’ll be available.”

Benitez could also be without striker David N’Gog who suffered a broke nose on international duty for France’s under 21’s on Saturday. Meaning Dirk Kuyt or Ryan Babel will lead the line against City.

However, Benitez does hope to have Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson fit and available after the trio pulled out of plans with their countries over the last fortnight.