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Fernando Torres has flown to France for Liverpool's Champions League game against Lyon despite a dire warning from manager Rafa Benitez that he could face surgery on a sports hernia if he is pushed too hard.

Benitez has faced criticism for repeatedly substituting his star striker, but hit back by claiming Torres is still short of full fitness and must be protected.

Travelling fans booed the decision to replace Torres an hour into Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Fulham, after he had volleyed a spectacular first-half goal.

"I was surprised with the critics after the game because Fernando has had problems in the last month after the international games," Benitez said.

"We are trying to manage, as he was close to having an operation. Two days after the Fulham game, he is still feeling something.

"He is not comfortable and hasn't got the power he had before, so we have to try to protect him.

"Fernando cannot play well if you keep pushing him. Maybe if you push him he will be injured for a long time.

"So, I am really surprised with the critics. When you talk about big names, people just analyse the names and not how the player is when he is on the pitch. He was not 100 per cent fit. We have to take Fernando to Lyon because we don't have too many options."

The injury has also been reported as a groin strain - confusion borne out of the fact a sports hernia affects the abdominal wall just above the groin.

The 25-year-old is expected to start Wednesday's must-win game against Lyon, with captain Steven Gerrard ruled out by a groin injury.

Gerrard has been troubled since the recent international break and has not played for the Reds since limping out of the Champions League defeat to Lyon at Anfield on October 21.

Benitez said his captain is improving but he will not make the trip to France for what is a must-win game.

"Gerrard won't travel to Lyon," Benitez said. "He has no chance.

"He is improving but we have to wait. He has had an injection but we have to wait two or three days and see how he reacts."

Martin Skrtel will not travel, while late checks will be made on Alberto Aquilani, Daniel Agger, Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio and David Ngog.

"Aquilani had a virus. He trained today but was a little bit weak. Hopefully in two days' time he will be better," said Benitez.

"Agger is improving - he will travel and we will then decide. He felt something in his back but it's much better now. We have to wait and see how he reacts.

"Fabio is improving but he still has a small problem in his calf, so we will have to wait.

"Ngog is much better, so he could be available.

"Johnson is training and working with the physios but he is a doubt at this moment. He will travel to Lyon and we will see."

Eurosport