Fernando Torres has been warned he could yet need surgery on his right knee, despite a positive initial examination by his surgeon.

Dr Ramon Cugat raised hopes that 'in normal circumstances' the Spain striker could return to action when Liverpool face West Ham on Monday.

However, if swelling does not subside after five days of rest, the 26-year-old faces a further operation.

Spanish FA sporting director Fernando Hierro is in daily contact with Torres and has been told that it is not yet clear what is causing the 'bursitis', which has led to liquid building up on the knee.

Rafael Benítez has been assured that his immediate future as Liverpool manager is secure after the Merseyside club were dumped out of the Champions League at the group stage last night.

Christian Purslow, the club’s managing director, who was sat in Liverpool Hospitality, gave the Spaniard his full backing even though Liverpool failed to reach the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in Benítez’s 5½-year reign.