Torres returns to training

Fernando Torres has taken another step towards recovery by training with Spain's World Cup squad for the first time.

The Liverpool striker underwent knee surgery last month and was back in action on Thursday at Spain's training camp just outside Madrid.

Torres had surgery on damaged cartilage in his right knee and his recovery is slightly ahead of schedule.

The 26-year-old also had a minor knee operation in January but still managed 18 goals in 22 league appearances for Liverpool this season.

And the former Atletico Madrid man, who has scored 23 goals in 71 appearances for Spain, is hopeful of being fully fit in time for their World Cup opener against Switzerland on 16th June.

"It's great news to have Fernando training with us again," said defender Gerard Pique. "He's an important player for us."

Winger Juan Mata added: "He's said he'll be fit in time for our first match, which is good news."

All 23 members of Spain's final World Cup squad were at the session on the last day before they fly to Austria for the next stage of their preparations for South Africa.

They were divided into groups for some small-sided matches, with Torres and midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who is also returning from injury, wearing different coloured bibs to the rest of the squad.

Torres left the session early and will gradually increase his workload while Spain play the first of three warm-up friendlies against Saudi Arabia in Innsbruck on Saturday.

The European champions then face South Korea and Poland before taking on Switzerland, Honduras and Chile in Group H.

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