Liverpool’s hopes of reigniting their Premier League title challenge (28/1 Outright) could be further dented as a decision on whether or not Fernando Torres needs groin surgery is set to be made imminently.

The Spain striker (6/4 Premier League Top Goalscorer) attended a hospital in Liverpool on Thursday for tests although Torres, who is the league’s top scorer so far with 10 goals, is understood to want to work with the club’s physios rather than go under the knife unless it is the last resort.

Anfield captain Steven Gerrard (66/1 Premier League Top Goalscorer) could also require an operation on a similar problem as boss Rafa Benitez faces the prospect of losing his two best players ahead of the build-up to the hectic festive programme.

A Liverpool spokesman said: “Fernando attended a Liverpool hospital today for further tests.

“It is nothing more dramatic than that, it is just further tests as part of his rehabilitation programme.”

Liverpool could as many as 12 points behind Chelsea when they face Birmingham at Anfield on Monday night (Liverpool 1/3 to win) – if Carlo Ancelotti’s Blues beat reigning champions Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Meanwhile, a further report on Friday claims Torres has jetted to Valencia for another opinion on his injury.

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