Liverpool are hoping Fernando Torres does not require an operation amid reports that the Spanish striker is suffering from a hernia problem.

Rafael Benitez has reportedly been told by Anfield medics that the former Atletico Madrid hitman would need an operation that could rule him out for two months if he is overplayed.

Torres was taken off after barely an hour of Liverpool’s defeat to Fulham on Saturday, but will start against Lyon on Wednesday night.

The striker’s inguinal hernia apparently developed while he was on international duty in October and the striker has been playing in pain ever since.

Benitez admitted: “We are trying to manage, as he was close to having an operation. Two days after the Fulham game, he is still feeling something.

“He is not comfortable and hasn’t got the power he had before, so we have to try to protect him.”

Liverpool need to win in Lyon to keep their UEFA Champions League chances alive and the size of their task is reflected in Betfred’s odds for the Anfield club to win Group E (16/1 in Champions League Group Betting) and the trophy they have claimed five times before (25/1 in Champions League Outright 2009/2010).