Rafa: I had to protect Torres

Rafa Benitez expects Fernando Torres to be fit to face Portsmouth as he looks to manage the Liverpool's striker return from injury.

Torres started Wednesday night's win over Wigan Athletic on the bench after playing the full 90 minutes in the weekend defeat by Arsenal.

The Spain international's appearance against Arsenal was his first start for a month after injury and that prompted Benitez to give David Ngog a chance against Wigan.

Ngog rewarded his manager by scoring the opening goal before Torres came off the bench to net the decisive second in the 2-1 success.

Benitez believes his decisions were vindicated as he seeks to nurse Torres back to full fitness following his recent hamstring injury.

However, the Liverpool boss is confident that Torres, who was making his 100th appearance for the club against Wigan, will be ready to start at Portsmouth on Saturday.

"I wanted to keep him back because he was really tired after the last game (Sunday's defeat to Arsenal)," said the manager.

"I told him I wanted to protect him and it would be good for me to play him at the end and he was good too.

"I think he will be ready for Portsmouth."