Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that star striker Fernando Torres is suffering from a hernia.

Speaking ahead of his side's Champions League match against Lyon, Benitez confirmed that Torres has been carrying the injury for a while - but was hopeful that he could avoid surgery.

"We know Fernando has a [hernia] problem, and we have to manage it," the Reds boss 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.

The Spanish international was controversially withdrawn after scoring in Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Fulham at the weekend, leading to criticism of Benitez' tactics.

The admission of an injury lets Benitez off the hook to some extent as his actions clearly reflect a desire to nurse his striker through the rest of the season, rather than rush him to the operating room

Benitez continued "I talk to the players after every training session and every game.

"After [Manchester] United, he needed four days to be ready again. After Fulham, he told me he was much better but still feeling something.
 
"Yesterday he was better still and hopefully tomorrow he will be even better."

Torres has travelled to France with the squad and is expected to play through the pain barrier in a fixture that may well shape the Merseyside clubs season.