Liverpool have found out how difficult it truly is to get through a match sans the services of this star player, but it looks like they’ll have to do it again on the biggest stage of them all. Rafa Benitez confirmed today that THREE players are doubtful for next week’s clash with Real Madrid. One of the injured could be a massive loss for the club!

Benítez’s outlook has not been helped by injury to Torres and the defenders Daniel Agger and Alvaro Arbeloa, all of whom miss tonight’s match against Sunderland at Anfield. They remain doubtful for the Champions League second leg against Real Madrid a week tonight and their absence had such a debilitating effect on Liverpool’s threat and balance against Middlesbrough.

“We will have to wait for Torres, Agger and Arbeloa and see how they progress for Real Madrid,” said Benítez, who lost his leading striker to a twisted ankle at the Bernabéu last week. “It is not clear [if they can face Real] at the moment.” (The Guardian)

Benitez has been noncommittal on Torres’ status up until this point, but you have to figure this is either, A) mind games by Benitez to get Real Madrid in a semi-comfortable position, or B) Torres really is hurting and Benitez is keeping his cards close to his chest. One would assume it was option “A,” but with Rafa you can never be certain.

Regardless, it looks like Liverpool could be without one of their key cogs and two very viable subs for the match at Anfield. Are Liverpool supporters concerned about the match if Torres can’t go?

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