Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel could return to full training next week after six weeks on the sidelines with a broken foot.

Jerome Rothen claims Rangers attempted to offload star defender Madjid Bougherra during the January transfer window.

Injured defenders Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio could make a return to action early next month.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has told his players to tackle tonight’s Europa League last-16 first-leg tie against Lille as if it was their “most important game of the season”.

Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher hailed the “special” talents of Fernando Torres, expressing hope the player would come through Spain’s midweek friendly against France unscathed to spearhead the club’s bid for Champions League football next season.

Striker Fernando Torres made his first start for Liverpool since January 13 as manager Rafael Benitez named an attacking line-up for the visit of Blackburn to Anfield.

LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard has called on the side to show “a bit of bottle” when it comes to attacking. Despite improving what was a poor defensive record by their standards over recent weeks, critics still complain the Reds do not have enough going forward to really hurt sides.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has suffered another injury blow after it was confirmed defender Martin Skrtel has broken a metatarsal in his right foot.

Defender Martin Skrtel will miss Sunday’s Premier League visit of Blackburn after sustaining a suspected broken foot in last night’s Europa League victory over Unirea Urziceni in Bucharest.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hailed the contribution of captain Steven Gerrard after he became the leading English scorer in European competition in the 3-1 victory over Unirea Urziceni.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez was pleased with the character shown by his side in their 3-1 victory over Unirea Urziceni in Romania last night, a victory which sealed a 4-1 aggregate win and a place in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Unirea Urziceni 1 Liverpool 3 (Liverpool win 4-1 on aggregate)

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez is in no hurry to rush striker Fernando Torres back into action against Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League this evening.

Striker Fernando Torres is likely to be on the bench again for tomorrow’s Europa League last 32 second-leg tie against Unirea Urziceni in Bucharest.

STRIKER David Ngog’s goal nine minutes from time eventually broke the resistance of a determined Unirea Urziceni at Anfield in the Europa League last night.

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun faces a late fitness test ahead of their trip to face Manchester City at Eastlands on Sunday.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has warned the club’s Europa League campaign may be something of a war of attrition.

Liverpool 1 Unirea Urziceni 0

CAPTAIN Steven Gerrard has warned their Europa League rivals not to underestimate Liverpool.

Unirea Urziceni coach Roni Levy hopes to expose Liverpool’s weaknesses in their Europa League last-32 tie at Anfield tomorrow.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has ridiculed the idea of a play-off for the final Champions League place, claiming clubs “will be playing until the end of the century”.

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is unlikely to be risked for the visit of Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League tomorrow.

Injury worries appear to be easing for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as defender Jamie Carragher is fit to face Unirea Urziceni in tomorrow’s Europa League tie at Anfield while Yossi Benayoun, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson are all close to returns.

Midfielder Yossi Benayoun has given Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez a welcome fitness boost by returning to training after a broken rib.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has dismissed speculation star striker Fernando Torres could return to action next week.

RAFAEL BENITEZ has suffered a serious blow in his battle to salvage Liverpool’s shattered season, losing the services of three star players.

Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni, who will face Liverpool in the last 32 of the Europa League in February, have parted company with coach Dan Petrescu.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez sees the Europa League as a realistic opportunity to win silverware despite being handed a tough draw against Romania champions Unirea Urziceni.

Fulham will face the Europa League holders Shaktar Donetsk in the round of 32 draw of the competition and then will face either Ajax or Juventus in the last 16.

LIONEL MESSI’S sensational free-kick secured a 2-1 victory for Barcelona at Dynamo Kiev as the European champions advanced to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Steven Davis admits Rangers have a major point to prove as they prepare to bring their Champions League campaign to a close at Sevilla tonight.

Rangers manager Walter Smith is still waiting for an explanation from Madjid Bougherra for his late return from international duty.

Rangers have been fined €20,000 and ordered to pay the cost of damage to the Steaua Stadium as a result of the improper conduct of their fans during the Champions League match against Unirea Urziceni in Romania last week.

Walter Smith fears Rangers could be banned from Europe over the crowd trouble which marred their Champions League game against Unirea Urziceni.

Rangers’ explanation for the crowd disturbances in the Champions League match against Unirea Urziceni has been backed by a top Glasgow policeman who attended the game.

Rangers were today charged with the improper conduct of their supporters following the disturbances during the Champions League match against Unirea Urziceni.

RANGERS’ Champions League hopes were left hanging in the balance when a late equaliser from Unirea Urziceni denied them a crucial first victory in the tournament this season.

Lee McCulloch is fit to return for Rangers in the vital Champions League game against Unirea Urziceni in a welcome boost to manager Walter Smith.

Madjid Bougherra has been ruled out of Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at Dundee United and is doubtful for next week’s crucial Champions League tie with Unirea Urziceni.

STEPHEN MCMANUS has revealed the Celtic players and management held a clear-the-air meeting following a fractious beginning to Tony Mowbray’s tenure as Parkhead boss.

Rangers 1 Hibernian 1

Rangers manager Walter Smith has confirmed that Pedro Mendes will be out of action for up to two months.

Rangers were today expecting to learn the full extent of injuries suffered by Pedro Mendes and Madjid Bougherra after both players underwent scans.

Rangers were today continuing their hunt for the "moron" who Maurice Edu alleges racially abused him after the Champions League thrashing by Unirea Urziceni.