Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is resigned to being without Fernando Torres for next week's Merseyside derby with Everton.

Torres is still struggling with a groin problem which has ruled him out of the last two games against Birmingham and Manchester City.

It was hoped with rest the Spanish international might be fit for the trip to Goodison Park, but Benitez expects his star striker to be missing for another ten days.

It means Torres is set to sit out Tuesday's crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Debrecen and then the meeting with Everton next weekend.

"Torres had a plan of fitness that would take three weeks working with the physios," Benitez told the Sunday Mirror.

"You can see he is improving all the time, but I would say that he is still maybe 10 days away from being right.

"The next few days will decide whether he will be fit for Everton, but at this moment there are no guarantees."