Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been boosted by the news that Fernando Torres could return to first-team action within a week.

The Spanish striker missed Sunday's goalless draw with Fulham to travel to his homeland for treatment on his injured knee. And his doctor, specialist Ramon Cugat, believes five days rest might be enough for the 26-year-old.

"The problem is not serious but he needs to stop and rest to avoid more
risk because it's the same knee on which he had surgery in January," Cugat said, according to the Daily Mail.

"But in normal circumstances, he could be ready to play next week, depending on how it settles down. The decision is now up to Liverpool's medical staff and the manager."

Liverpool face West Ham United on Monday in the Premier League, and then head to Madrid for what could be a Europa League homecoming for Torres against his former club, Atletico.

But they may face interference from the Spanish FA, who are monitoring the situation closely and do not want their star forward prematurely rushed back into action ahead of the summer's World Cup.