Del Bosque on collision course over Torres

February 16, 2010

Spain coach Vincente del Bosque and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez look to be on collision course over Fernando Torres’ fitness.

The Spain frontman is a key player for both club and country and both managers want the best out of the 25-year-old. Torres returned to training last week following a lay-off with a knee problem and is line to return for the clash with Wigan on March 8th, but del Bosque is worried the striker is not fully fit. He wants the striker to play less for the Merseysiders in an attempt to keep him in top condition for this summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

Del Bosque told the News of the World: “The fewer games Fernando plays for his club, the better it will be for us.

“We want him not to play too many games, to recover completely for the World Cup and have had some rest in between. We’d like him fresh for the tournament.

“That can only be good news for Spain. We hope Liverpool’s loss will be our gain.

“Fernando Torres represents a crucial part of our squad.”

Those comments will enrage Benitez, who has seen his side struggle this season without their talisman. Torres has featured just 21 times for the Reds in a campaign which has seen them face stiff competition to secure a Champions League place. In fact Torres’ recent groin problem was picked up while on international duty - a fact that Benitez is more than likely to point out to del Bosque.

Even though Spain’s World Cup odds make them among the favourites for the tournament they have a history of underachieving in the competition, so they desperately need Torres fit if they are to succeed.

Del Bosque looks destined to confront Benitez about his intentions over the player and this won’t be the last we hear of the situation.

Meanwhile, the weight for the Grand National 2010 have been published and this should give pundits plenty of food for thought.

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