Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is not expected back until the New Year, according to reports this morning.

The striker suffered a recurrence of a hamstring strain in the Champions League win over Marseille last week and was initially thought to be sidelined for three weeks.

It is now believed that the Spaniard will miss the next five league games in a bid to ensure a full recovery from an injury that has hampered much of his season.

Torres scored 34 goals for the Merseysiders last season.