Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, has urged Fernando Torres to listen to his head, not his heart, when making the final decision on whether he will play against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Torres has been mired to the sidelines since October 15, when he tore his hamstring during Spain's World Cup qualifier against Belgium.

The injury forced the 24-year-old striker to miss what would have been a special return to the Vicente Calderon two weeks ago, but he is a genuine chance to feature when Atletico visit Anfield tomorrow evening.

“I’m sure he will say he wants to play, but sometimes players are desperate to do so and you have to be careful,” The Sun quoted the former Valencia coach as saying.

“Obviously I’d like to see him ready as soon as possible, and I will talk to him, but it’s clear he has to decide with the head rather than the heart.”