Torres dilemma for Benitez

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Torres is one goal away from equalling the record for most goals scored by an overseas player in his debut Premier League season but Benitez is considering resting a host of players ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final.

"We will think about Chelsea but for us to be in the top four is really important, and we will have enough energy to play against Chelsea on Tuesday," said Benitez. "Sometimes it's not easy for players to concentrate with a Champions League semi-final so near, but they know how important it is to finish in the top four so hopefully they will be focused."

He added: "They will be concentrated and then hopefully we can talk about two victories in both games."

Last season Liverpool went to Fulham four days after they had beaten Chelsea at Anfield in the Champions League semi-final. This time it is three days before their first leg clash.

Then Fulham won 1-0, a victory that, eventually, saved them from the drop. They will be hell-bent on repeating that result this time, one which enraged former Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock, with the Blades going down by just one point from the west Londoners.

So whether Torres gets the chance to continue his record-breaking season is open to debate.

The record of 23 is currently held by Dutchman Ruud Van Nistelrooy who achieved his total for Manchester United in 2001-02.

He played 32 times that season and scored four from the penalty spot while Torres has appeared on 31 occasions this season without the help of spot-kicks.