You'll Never Walk Alone

The Spaniard has been missing due to a hamstring strain for six matches since the last international break on October 15.

However Benitez is confident that the 24-year-old goal-getter will return against the Midlands side.

"I believe Torres will be ready for the West Brom game at the weekend," Benitez, who allowed his player to judge whether he was fit for the midweek draw with his previous club Atletico Madrid, said.

"It all depends on Fernando: he was not happy with his fitness so he did not play against Atletico.

"He said he was not confident, so you cannot take any risks with a hamstring injury.

"I will talk to the player during the rest of the week to see how he is after each training session. But I will also talk with the physio and the doctor for their view.

"But (once again) how Fernando feels will be the key."

Reds captain Steven Gerrard, who grabbed the penalty equaliser against Atletico, cannot wait to see Torres back in action.

"Hopefully Fernando will be ready come the weekend - we have missed him," he said. "He has been training all week and things look hopeful.

"We need to take three points against West Brom, but (Saturday's 2-1 reverse to Tottenham) has been our only defeat this season and we are more than happy with the way the season has gone so far."

If Torres again fails to make the squad to face West Brom, Liverpool must decide whether to give him a run-out in the Carling Cup trip to Spurs next Tuesday, with a tough trip to Bolton on the Saturday, November 15.

Another international break is approaching fast with Spain having a home friendly against Chile at Villarreal on November 19.

Benitez has been in talks with the Spanish FA over Torres's treatment while he is with the national squad and a set of special exercises have been drawn up for him to carry out each day to help the hamstring heal properly.

Just whether Liverpool will tolerate another Spanish call-up for Torres at this time is open to debate, considering he has returned three times in 18 months from international duty with the same injury.