'Pool waiting on Torres injury news

Liverpool could today learn the extent of the injury sustained by striker Fernando Torres in the World Cup final.

Torres pulled up with an adductor injury in the closing stages of Spain’s extra-time victory over Holland in Johannesburg on Sunday.

The 26-year-old is now back in Spain beginning a summer break and was due to have a scan on the injury yesterday.

Torres looked in considerable discomfort when the injury occurred but, having spoken to their Spain counterparts, Liverpool’s medical staff are confident the problem is not as serious as was feared.

Liverpool’s newly-appointed head of sports medicine and sports science Peter Brukner told LFC TV: “It certainly looked like it might have been bad but it seems not too bad.

“He certainly walked up the steps to receive his medal without too many problems, so we are optimistic it is not going to be too bad.”

Torres has been plagued by injuries over the past year and looked some way short of match sharpness throughout the World Cup.

After undergoing two knee operations in the space of four months before the end of the domestic season, he failed to score in South Africa and lost his starting place for the semi-final and final.

However, after speculation linking him with a big-money transfer, new Reds manager Roy Hodgson will have been pleased to see him celebrating World Cup success wearing a Liverpool scarf.

Another pressing matter for Hodgson could be the future of Javier Mascherano after the midfielder’s agent claimed he would like to join former boss Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan.

The 26-year-old Argentina captain, who has two years remaining on his contract, has also been the subject of regular speculation.

Walter Tamer told Corriere dello Sport: “Last season, it was the European champions Barcelona that wanted him and this year it’s Inter, the current Champions League winners.

“For him to be linked to Inter has a magical taste... it’s a dream.”

On a positive note for Liverpool, midfielder Alberto Aquilani has reported for pre-season training fully fit.

The Italian was hampered by an ankle injury last season following his £20m move from Roma.

Brukner said of the 26-year-old: “Alberto’s ankle, which was a problem last year, is now 100% healed. He has been training and has looked very sharp.”

Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has appealed Hodgson to bring him back to the club.

The France World Cup player, 28, spent two seasons with the Reds before joining Marseille, initially on loan, in 2006 and then having spells at Sunderland and Panathinaikos.

Cisse told Sky Sports News: “At Liverpool I didn’t have my chance, at Sunderland I had a good time but I fancy coming back to Liverpool – that would be nice.

“I like Arsenal, because my friends are there, Manchester is nice, but my club is Liverpool.”