Carra facing fitness race

JAMIE CARRAGHER is facing a race against time to be fit for Liverpool's crucial Premier League trip to Manchester City next Sunday - but Fernando Torres is on the comeback trail.

The Reds defender was forced off during Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal after tweaking his groin and has been ruled out for seven to 10 days.

Carragher is doubtful for next Thursday's Europa League clash with Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni at Anfield and Rafa Benitez will take no chances with his vice-captain ahead of the potentially season-defining contest at Eastlands.

The manager's major concern will be ensuring Carragher is ready to face Roberto Mancini's side.

Manchester City pose the greatest threat to fourth placed Liverpool's hopes of Champions League qualification and if the 32-year-old was to miss out it would be a huge blow.

As Carragher focuses on a speedy return to action, Torres is stepping up his rehabilitation at Melwood.

The Spanish striker, who has been out since he suffered a knee injury in the FA Cup defeat to Reading a month ago, has started running again.

When the Reds' 12-goal top scorer underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage he was told he would be missing for six weeks.

Benitez is reluctant to put a time frame on Torres' return to action and will resist the temptation to rush him back.

The manager intends to monitor his progress over the next week before deciding whether he's capable of playing a part against City.

If Carragher, who has impressed at right-back in the absence of Glen Johnson, doesn't recover in time for next Thursday then Benitez will have a defensive headache.

He could draft in Sotirios Kyrgiakos, who is currently serving a three-match domestic ban following his sending off in the Merseyside derby but is available for the European tie.

Alternatively, Benitez may opt to turn to Philipp Degen or youngster Martin Kelly.

Liverpool and City are level on points but City have two games in hand and with a trip to Stoke next Tuesday they could be three points clear by the time they entertain the Reds.

Meanwhile, Milos Krasic's agent has rubbished rumours linking the CSKA Moscow striker with a move to Anfield.

Reports in Russia stated Krasic was on the verge of sealing a switch to Liverpool

Agent Dejan Joksimovic said: "I was in Liverpool to sort out a transfer, but not for Krasic, for Milan Jovanovic.

"Krasic is not signing for Liverpool, and hasn't even held talks with them."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.