Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will be given until the last possible minute to prove his fitness for Sunday’s Merseyside derby against Everton (9/4 to beat the Reds in the match betting).

The Spanish international (3/1 in the Premier League’s top goalscorer market) has been struggling of late with a groin problem and has missed the last three matches.

Torres has begun training again but is still receiving treatment on the problem and may not be risked at Goodison Park for fear of reinjuring it.

Liverpool (5/4 to beat Everton in the match betting) will be desperate to have their star striker available again after a run of form which has seen them win just one of their last six league matches.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez says Torres will have a fitness test on Saturday before he decides whether to include him in his matchday squad.

“We will check him tomorrow. He’s training well, he’s been with the physios and we’ll check after the training session,” said Benitez.

Liverpool may also be able to recall Albert Riera after he returned to training this week, the Spanish winger having missed the last two games.

“Albert Riera has been training so we’ll have to decide. I don’t see any other problems. Everyone is training,” added Benitez.

Everton will be desperate not to see either Riera or Torres take to the field on Sunday as they try and end a run of one win from their last ten matches.