Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres has flown home to Spain seeking a second opinion on his ongoing hernia problem, after initial scans revealed the problem is not easing.

"El Nino", 25, has been suffering from the dull pain of a hernia problem for a month, and while Liverpool have been attempting to manage the problem, it seems almost inevitable that the Spaniard will need an operation.

Torres previously visited the Spire Private Hospital on Merseyside following Liverpool's 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw with Lyon, in which he lasted 85 minutes, but during which he was later revealed to have been in considerable pain.

Given their alarmingly poor run, Reds boss Rafa Benitez will be keen to have the issue resolved once and for all, rather than restricting Torres' time on the pitch, which has clearly been frustrating for manager, player and fans alike.

The good news is that once scans have come back from the player's visit to a private clinic in Valencia, Liverpool will likely recommend an operation almost immediately, and will hope to use the upcoming international break as Torres' rehabilitation period.

He could even play through the pain in Liverpool's Monday night clash with Birmingham, have the operation the next day and have two weeks to recover in time for Liverpool's next league game against Manchester City on November 21st.