Torres will hit top gear – Spain´s Martinez

Fernando Torres is in good shape, despite looking sluggish so far at the World Cup as he comes off ankle surgery in April, midfielder Javier Martinez insisted on Sunday.

Liverpool’s Torres has yet to score — Spain owed their qualification for the last 16 primarily to three goals from his sidekick David Villa — and coach Vicente del Bosque took him off during the decisive 2-1 win over Chile which secured the European champions’ passage.

Yet Martinez says that “El Nino” is in good shape.

“It is not easy to come back off the kind of injury he has had – but I think he’s recuperating well” from his ankle problem.

“He’ll be back on his best form in the coming games,” the Athletic Bilbao player told reporters at team headquarters in Potchefstroom, south west of Johannesburg.

“He is still bringing a lot to the table for us with his versatility, losing his marker — that’s all a boon for us,” added Martinez.

Spain take on neighbours Portugal in the round of 16 on Tuesday in Cape Town.