Fernando Torres has been ruled out of Liverpool’s match at Blackburn on Saturday afternoon.

The Spanish striker has missed the Reds last four matches with a groin strain he suffered on international duty at the end of October. He had returned to training this week and Rafa Benitez was hopeful he may be included for the trip to Ewood Park.

But Benitez told the official website on Friday “He has been training with the team – not full training sessions but part of them. He’s doing well but he will not be ready for this game.

“He could be ready for Fiorentina. He was doing some exercises with the team and with the football but it’s too soon.

“Maybe next week it will be easier.”

Liverpool face Fiorentina at Anfield on Wednesday in their final Champions League match of the season.