Roy Hodgson has been dealt a blow by the news that it is unlikely that Fernando Torres (16/1 to win title) will be fit for Liverpool’s start to the new Premier League season.

The Spanish striker pulled up towards the end of Spain’s World Cup final win over Holland on Sunday, and a scan has shown that he has ruptured a muscle in his left thigh.

A statement from the Spanish FA has confirmed Torres had the scan and they found “a Grade 1 muscle fibre rupture in the left thigh” which is expected to keep him out of action for at least a month.

Luckily a grade one tear is the lowest in seriousness, however it will rule him out of all Liverpool’s pre-season games and leaves him unlikely to be ready when the club start their Premier League campaign with a home game against Arsenal on August 15  (Liverpool 5/4, Arsenal 7/4, draw 9/4).

The results of the MRI scan are expected to be sent to Liverpool (7/4 to finish in the Premier League top four) doctor Peter Brukner, who said earlier this week the club were “optimistic” the injury would not be too bad - though the loss of their star striker for the start of the campaign will be a big blow to new boss Hodgson.

Despite the injury problems that have plagued Torres all season, the likes of Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for the Spanish striker.

The Blues have already made a £40 million bid for the forward and it remains unclear exactly where Torres will be playing his football when he can next take his place on the pitch.