Fernando Torres could be out till December but he will not be undergoing an operation, says Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

Torres who is suffering from a groin injury, visited a specialist in Spain for a second opinion after consultation with the Liverpool medical staff.

Both have decided Torres will not require any surgery. But Benitez is not too optimistic about Torres being fit enough to face Manchester City in two weeks time in the league.

"He has to work with the physios and try to improve and be ready," Benitez said according to skysports.com.

"We are not talking about an operation at this moment, we're talking about treating him properly.

"I don't know if he will be ready for Man City (in two weeks).

"The only thing I can say is we're talking about two or three weeks working with the physios.

"We haven't got a deadline, we just need to see how he is every day."

Benitez was buoyed by the return of captain Steven Gerrard to action on Monday evening in the draw with Birmingham.

"I think he will be okay," said Benitez.

"We have to check. There's small things but I think he'll be okay."