TORRES MAKING GOOD PROGRESS

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Rafael Benitez today admitted Fernando Torres is making good progress towards being fit for Saturday's Merseyside derby.

The Spanish striker is working with the Reds' medical team after suffering an adductor injury which ruled him out of his country's Euro 2008 qualifier with Denmark at the weekend.
  
"He is much better and improving," said Benitez today. "At the moment though it is too early to say anything about the weekend.
  
"It's always a risk when a player has an injury and we have to be careful. He is back with us now and working with the physios."
  
Benitez also delivered positive injury bulletins for both Dirk Kuyt and Harry Kewell as they both set their sights on a place in the squad this weekend.
  
"Dirk did the warm-up this morning with us and hopefully he'll be okay for the Everton game.
  
"The news with Harry is very positive as he did the warm up as well. For him, though, it's too early to talk about the weekend."
  
Metatarsal victims Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger are also continuing their recoveries, with Alonso able to do some light running this morning and Agger working in the gym.