Skrtel & Torres set to miss Tykes clash

Rafa Benitez declared Fernando Torres fit for the weekend but doesn’t look set to unleash the Spaniard on the Tykes in our FA Cup clash tomorrow as he keeps one eye open on the forthcoming Inter Milan battles.

“It could be too much of a risk to play Fernando against Barnsley. We have Sami Hyypia, Alvaro Arbeloa, Fabio Aurelio and Torres that we need to check on Friday so we can see whether to risk them. Every player is important to us, but Torres has been scoring goals so we have to be careful. The key for me will be to see how the player is after training.”

Meanwhile, new defensive purchase Martin Skrtel also looks set to miss out on his first taste of FA Cup action against Barnsley.

“Skrtel felt something in his calf the other day. He only mentioned it after training, and after speaking with the doctors we realised it could be a risk for the weekend. We need to check, but I don’t think he will be available for the Barnsley game.” said Rafa.