Torres does not want to go under the knife

Liverpool insist Spain are not trying to force them into sending Fernando Torres for surgery to cure his niggling groin problem. Rafa Benitez dismissed suggestions his native country was putting pressure on the club to ensure their star striker would be 100 per cent for the World Cup.

And Anfield insiders say it is not going to happen anyway because Torres does not want to go under the knife.

Liverpool have stressed all along that the best way to get Torres fit was to let him rest and then work with the physios on a daily basis. And manager Benitez believes their patience is about to be rewarded, with the Spanish goal machine ready to play a much bigger part in the second half of the season.

Torres, 25, is likely to start against Wolves at Anfield today, even though Tuesday's clash with fourth-placed Aston Villa is critical to the Reds' Champions League hopes. Benitez said: "Torres' condition is improving all the time and he could manage a full Christmas programme.

"In training this week he was fine. We've been patient with him and it is working.

"It has not been a straightforward thing to deal with. Sometimes he can play and, after the game, you never know how he will react.

"We don't know if his next game will be easy or difficult for him. There has not been any contact with Spain. None. They know we will do what is best for the player.