Torres may be out of action for three weeks

(GETTY IMAGES)

The Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is out for at least two weeks after tearing his hamstring during their 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday and will miss Spain's opening World Cup qualifiers. "A scan this afternoon has confirmed a hamstring tear in Fernando's right leg," Liverpool said yesterday. "He is expected to be out for between two and three weeks."

The Euro 2008 champions Spain play Bosnia on Saturday in Murcia and Armenia on 10 September in Albacete.

Torres will miss Liverpool's Premier League fixture with Manchester United on 13 September and could also be doubtful for the start of the Champions League group stage. Liverpool play at Marseilles on 16 September. He should be fit, however, for Liverpool's Champions League fixture with Atletico Madrid, his former club. The first match is in the Spanish capital on 22 October, before the two clubs play again at Anfield on 4 November.

"It will be very special for me and I'm sure that I'm going to enjoy the experience," said Torres. "I hope to get a good reception from the fans because Atletico gave me a lot, although I also gave a lot to Atletico. When the game starts they will see me as a rival, but I'll never forget the years I spent there. It will be an amazing feeling to run out onto the Vicente Calderon pitch again and meet up with old team-mates and friends."