Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has admitted that Fernando Torres is playing with a hernia problem, but that they are hopeful that the striker does not require surgery. Torres will start against Lyon in tonight's crucial tie in France.

"We know Fernando has a [hernia] problem, and we have to manage it," he said.

"The positive thing is that he is improving, and he is in less pain each time he plays and trains.

"Hopefully if we can continue doing well with him, he will not need an operation, that is our idea.

"Now it is a question of how he feels and what will happen if he plays.

"Yesterday he was better still and hopefully tomorrow he will be even better."