Torres to miss City clash

Torres: Sidelined

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez expects Fernando Torres to miss this weekend's clash with Manchester City, but Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger should all be fit to play.

Torres has been plagued with a groin injury, which he has aggravated in recent weeks and he is still struggling with his fitness.

The Reds' top scorer missed Spain's win over Argentina and he has been receiving round the clock treatment in a bid to get fit as soon as possible.

However, the game with City has come too soon for Torres with Liverpool hoping he will return in time for the Merseyside derby with Everton later this month.

Gerrard, who returned to action from a groin injury of his own against Birmingham last time out, has declared himself fit to face City.

Johnson, who was forced to pull out of the England squad to face Brazil with a hamstring problem, has shaken off the injury and is in contention to tackle City.

Agger is also back in training after recovering from a niggling back injury and should be ready for the weekend.

"Agger is okay. He had a small problem with his back but he's training," Benitez told the club's official website. "It was a very good decision from Denmark's manager (to withdraw Agger) because he is much better now. I think he'll be okay for the weekend.

"Johnson has been training. Not full sessions, but training, so hopefully he'll be okay for the weekend too.

"Gerrard is doing well. He finished a full training session today, so if he can carry on then he'll be okay as well.

"Fernando Torres is training with the physios, so I don't think he'll be available."

Broken nose

David Ngog suffered a broken nose on international duty with France's Under 21s, but Benitez is hopeful the striker will be okay to play against City.

"We know Ngog has broken his nose but it's not serious," added Benitez. "I am not sure yet because we haven't seen him but I think he'll be okay, it won't be serious."

Benitez also reported good news on the fitness of Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera, who both picked up hamstring problems in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham.

The midfield duo were initially ruled out for a month, but Benitez believes the pair could be back sooner than expected.

"I was talking about four weeks but they are working hard with the physios and doing special treatments. We have to check but maybe they'll be back earlier than expected," concluded Benitez.