Torres puts in extra training

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is putting in up to five hours extra training a day in a bid to bring himself up to full fitness for Liverpool’s assault on the FA Cup, Europa League and the top four of the Premier League.

With a World Cup campaign with joint favourites Spain looming at the end of the season, Torres is leaving nothing to chance in his efforts to play a meaningful part in South Africa as well as for Liverpool as they try to salvage their troubled season."I am much better than a couple of months ago but I need to keep working three, four or five hours more than the rest as I need to keep recovering," said Torres.

"It's a difficult time but it's worth it if I want to play.

"I do the normal training session with my team-mates but before and after I have treatment, exercises and gym work to make my leg strong.

"But I'm feeling nothing bad in my leg. I have been able to play 90 minutes in the last four games so I'm really happy with the progression. Maybe I'll have to do this all season.

"One of the reasons I'm working really hard is because I know in this situation Liverpool need every player fit.

"It's frustrating because I've never been injured before - not at Atletico [Madrid] and only one small one during my first season here.

"I need to look after myself. I have to work harder in order to play three games a week until the end of my career."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily reflect the position of Liverpool Football Club.