Torres doubtful for World Cup opener

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres faces a race against time to be fit for Spain’s opening match at next month’s World Cup, according to the club’s new head of sports medicine and sports science, Peter Brukner.

The 26-year-old’s recovery from a second operation in three months to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee is going well but the club do not want to rush his rehabilitation as it is key he is fully fit for the start of next season.