Benitez fingers crossed over Torres hamstring

BIRMINGHAM, England: Rafael Benitez is keeping his fingers crossed that Fernando Torres will only be out of action for 10 days with the hamstring injury that marred Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.

Benitez will discover on Monday the extent of the injury suffered by the Spanish international that will prevent the striker from reporting for international duty with Spain this week.

Euro 2008 champion Spain and new manager Vicente Del Bosque will have to do without his talismanic striker for the world cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Armenia.