Torres suffers groin injury in the World Cup final

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson expects star striker Fernando Torres to remain at the club this season.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from Anfield, but Hodgson claims the Spaniard will check in for pre-season preparations on Monday.

"He has told us that he is looking forward to Monday, to getting back to work and looking forward to playing for Liverpool next season.

"That is what I know so other reports, I would suggest, are erroneous."

In the wake of Liverpool's trophy-less 2009-10 season and failure to qualify for the Champions League, it was believed that Torres was considering his future elsewhere, with Chelsea rumoured to be among his suitors.

Hodgson last week suggested that he was powerless to influence Torres on his future. "Unfortunately, I cannot do much more", the former Fulham boss was quoted as saying. "His beef is with the club and not me."

606: DEBATE Your reactions to Hodgson's comments

But if Hodgson's latest assessment of the situation proves correct, the news will be greeted with massive relief by Reds fans.

It news follows the high-profile signing of England midfielder Joe Cole, following his release by Chelsea, and captain Steven Gerrard's declaration that he expects to stay at the club.

On Sunday, former Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish said he felt the arrival of Hodgson, as well as recent player acquisitions, might persuade Torres to remain at Anfield.

"When Torres sees that and talks with Roy I'm sure he'll give us good news," Dalglish told 5 live's Sportsweek.

"The fact that Stevie is staying will be a great help and players like Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Jonjo Shelvey and Danny Wilson means there is buying for present and the future."

Torres is currently out with an adductor problem although the club are hopeful he will be fit for the Premier League opening fixture against Arsenal on 15 August.

"He is enjoying a holiday - a well-deserved break as he has not had one for three years," said Hodgson on Tuesday.

"He is spending a lot of time with his family, keeping a low profile and as far as I know he is not really speaking to anyone."

Torres joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in in 2007.

He made an immediate impact, scoring 29 goals in all competitions in debut Reds season to become an instant Kop darling.

He managed 17 goals the following season, and, despite being restricted to 32 appearances after being dogged by injuries last term, he still finished as top scorer with 22 goals in all competitions.

He returned from a knee problem that ruled him out of Liverpool's last four Premier League games and their Europea League semi-final defeat to Atletico to play for his country at the World Cup in South Africa.

But he failed to score in the tournament and was only used as an extra-time substitute in Sunday's final as Spain were crowned world champions for the first time.

He had only been on the pitch for 10 minutes when he had a hand in Andres Iniesta's winning goal but moments later he was carried off after pulling up abruptly while chasing a through-ball.

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