Rafa Benitez says Fernando Torres may continue wearing his protective mask until the end of the season after rediscovering some scoring form.

The Spanish striker has hit the target four times in three Europa League matches since suffering a broken nose against Steaua Bucharest, and made an impact as a second-half substitute at the weekend against Manchester City.

Now Benitez insists the 29-year-old, who has struggled to find the net this season, has become comfortable in his new face piece, and suggested Torres may stick with the mask if he continues to fire.

Benitez said: ‘He’s training well. He has confidence now and if he needs to keep the mask on, he will.