Benitez hoping to welcome back Torres

Rafael Benitez hopes striker Fernando Torres will be back in action in a fortnight – and soon afterwards may have the world player-of-the-year award in the bag for good measure.

The Spaniard was today short-listed for the FIFA award, and Benitez believes he has just as good a claim to the crown as Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

Torres is due for another consultation over his hamstring problem with Spanish specialist Ramon Cugat in Barcelona, and expects the all-clear to resume full training.

Benitez reported: “I have been talking to Fernando today, and he is much better. But how long before he returns, I don’t know.

“He is in light training. It could be one or two weeks, but I don’t want to put pressure on him.”

Benitez also revealed his delight with Torres’ nomination for the world award.

“I am pleased he has been nominated for the world player-of-the-year award - it is well-deserved. To score 33 goals in your first season in England and then to win the European title with Spain shows his quality.

“There are some very good players also nominated, but I feel Fernando has a good chance.

“Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo is also nominated – and he is a very good player, too. It could be him; it could be Torres – but I will always support Fernando.

“It is very positive for him and for us. He was doing very well, and his record last season is a massive achievement.”

Benitez has again dismissed claims that Daniel Agger could be going to AC Milan, while explaining the midweek revelation of Ajax’s interest in Ryan Babel.

He said: “It is more difficult for the players who are not playing. Ryan Babel has been linked with a move away, but it was Ajax who approached me.

“They were selling (Klaas Jan) Hunterlaar and wanted Ryan on loan, and I said no. He will stay with us; he can be a very important player for the rest of the season.

“The problem Babel has is the form of Albert Riera. If it was the other way around, Riera would have a problem. But that is what it is like at the very top.”