Liverpool's Torres set to make return from injury

Fernando Torres is on the brink of granting the Liverpool faithful their Christmas wish by returning to action over the festive period, having seemingly made a good recovery from the hamstring injury which has kept him out for five games.

Assistant coach Sammy Lee wouldn't confirm or deny rumors of a Boxing Day return for the Spanish hitman, saying: "Torres is improving -- working very, very hard. As regards the Christmas period, I will say he is coming on well.

"It wasn't nice to have him injured or missing but that's football. It's the nature of the game, and he has had a break and will be back fresh now," Lee added. "Still, I think it speaks volumes for the squad that they have managed to get to the top without Fernando for long periods."

After relishing a rare Christmas spent looking down on their Premier League rivals, the Reds well welcome Bolton Wanderers to Anfield for a tricky Boxing Day fixture.

Next up it's Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Sunday and a six-point haul would see Liverpool end the year with its best points total since it last won the league 19 years ago.

Midfield battler Javier Mascherano and boss Rafael Benitez could also return after illness.