Surgical issues for Benitez

UNDER-FIRE Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has admitted star duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard might need surgery to solve the injury problems which have plagued their season.

Torres looked a long way from match fitness as Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw in Lyon on Wednesday night, which takes their hopes of progress to the Champions League last 16 out of their hands, and Benitez admitted the player is still feeling pain from his groin-related injury.

Gerrard missed the match entirely with a similar problem, but surgery will be a last resort for a side in need of a turnaround in fortunes both at home and in Europe, starting against Birmingham on Monday night.