Liverpool striker Fernando Torres

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez revealed today that Fernando Torres’ recuperation from knee surgery is going as expected and he remains on course to return within six weeks.

Torres was operated on in Barcelona last Saturday by Dr Ramon Cugat after he was forced off during the first half of that crushing defeat to Reading with a twisted knee.

The Reds’ number nine has endured a troubled season in terms of injury and had the threat of surgery hanging over him all through November after he was diagnosed as having a sportsman’s hernia – which is actually a groin problem.

Had he chosen to have it back then, he would have faced a three-week lay-off, so many will be wondering why he didn’t have a second procedure, given that he will not be back until March and still requires treatment on the problem.

But Benitez revealed it wasn’t necessary to pursue that option, as the strengthening work Torres has been doing – every day he has been working for four or five hours – has reaped benefits.

“The problem was with his knee and now everything is fine,” Benitez reported. “Fernando has been talking with the doctor and it was better than they were expecting.

“It is still going to be five or six weeks before he is fit but all is good. Why did he not have the second (groin) surgery? Simply because the doctor said he doesn’t need it.”