Fernando Torres, the injured Liverpool striker, has described missing out on an emotional return to the Vicente Calderon Stadium as a "huge disappointment".

The Spaniard will watch the Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid in England after a hamstring injury, picked up on international duty with Spain last week, denied him the chance to face his former club tonight.

The 24-year-old, who spent 12 years at his home-town club before joining Liverpool in 2007, has warned his team-mates they are in for a difficult evening.

"To not be in the Calderon on Wednesday is a huge disappointment," he said. "It was very special for me to be able to play this game, but unfortunately it is not to be.

"It will be difficult game. Atletico have started the Champions League phenomenally well and they will try to move closer to qualifying in front of their fans. For us it is the same. If we claim these three points we will take a very big step towards the last 16."

He added: "As I have already said, my wish is that we both qualify and after the first few rounds of matches we are both on track. Now all that remains is to finish it off."

Torres received an invitation from Atletico to watch the match as their VIP guest, but the striker has stayed in England as he attempts to overcome his injury in time to face Chelsea on Sunday.

"I want to thank Atletico Madrid for their invitation," Torres said. "I'm sorry for the fans, but after meeting with the coach, the medical staff and the physiotherapists we have decided that it was best for me to remain in Liverpool because I would have lost virtually two days of recuperation.

"At this phase we cannot afford ourselves this luxury. I'm improving. With this type if injury you need to be very patient.

"It is a shame because I have had another break in the same place as happened last August. But there is nothing else to do but work and complete the daily sessions that have been created for me by the Liverpool medical staff."

Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager and also a native of Madrid, is looking forward to a match against the team his father supported before his death.

"My father was an Atletico fan," Benitez said. "When I was playing in the Real Madrid youth teams he was asking me why I supported Real when Atletico needs more."

"My home town now is Liverpool but I come from Madrid so I am pleased to be here. I have a very good opinion of Atletico, their fans and everything. I will enjoy it and we will try to win. I'm only worried about my supporters and want to win for them."