Liverpool FC look set to be without Fernando Torres for their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie after confirming the Spanish international striker could be out for up to four weeks with a left thigh injury sustained in the FIFA World Cup final.

Torres pulled up during extra time of Spain's 1-0 triumph against the Netherlands on Sunday after coming on as a substitute, prompting fears he could miss Liverpool's Premier League opener against Arsenal FC on 15 August. Though the 26-year-old could now be available for that game, he seems unlikely to be ready for the start of the Reds' European campaign on 29 July or the second leg on 5 August.

"The initial assessment was he had a mild adductor tear," said Liverpool's head of sports science and medicine, Peter Brukner. "He had an MRI scan yesterday which confirmed a small tear. He should be able to resume training within two to three weeks and play again within three to four weeks." Roy Hodgson's side will learn their third qualifying round opponents in Friday's draw in Nyon.