Torres hopeful of Derby debut

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is making good progress with a thigh problem and could be included for his first Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow.

The club’s record signing injured an adductor muscle while on international duty with Spain last week but after intensive treatment was able to train on Wednesday and Thursday and manager Rafael Benitez is hopeful he will be fit.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso is closer to making a return than Daniel Agger as both continue their comebacks from broken metatarsals while Dirk Kuyt’s hamstring problem will be assessed ahead of the Barclays Premier League clash.

Provisional squad: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Pennant, Gerrard, Mascherano, Riise, Torres, Kuyt, Voronin, Crouch, Babel, Alonso, Sissoko, Aurelio, Itandje, Leto.