Rafael Benitez is close to a return to the Liverpool dugout while striker Fernando Torres is also inching his way towards a comeback. The Liverpool manager missed another media briefing today as he recovers from a kidney stones operation.

He is expected back on the bench for the St Stephen's Day home clash with Bolton.

That date may well be too soon for Torres' return from a hamstring injury, but assistant boss Sammy Lee revealed the Spanish forward is improving in every training session.

Liverpool go into the Lancashire derby top of the Premier League, and protecting an unbeaten home league record in 2008.

It is the first time Liverpool have been top at this stage since 1996, and two wins over the holiday period against Bolton first and then at Newcastle on Sunday will give them their best points tally in a calendar year for 19 years.

These are heady times for Liverpool and Lee was left to hold the reins on Sunday in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal, but is not expecting to be in temporary charge much longer.

Of Benitez's fitness, he said: "Rafa is a lot better, he's on the mend. He has been in a lot of pain but he is improving. His presence is always missed, but the organisation he has put in place is such that even though he has not been here this week, the battle plan is still there.

"We know what we have to do, the game plan is there, it is business as usual. He is missed and hopefully he will be back with us for the Bolton game."

He added: "He is a hands-on manager, it is hurting him more being away from the training ground really, but he will be back soon."