Liverpool striker Fernando Torres appears to be on the mend 恢復(fù)中 having scored both goals in Sunday's 2-0 win against Chelsea.

"It's been difficult but I'm improving… I don't know if I can play my best 發(fā)揮最好 soon but I will as soon as possible."

The end of last season was tough for him with surgery for torn cartilage in his right knee and a string of injuries hampered 一連串的傷病阻礙 his performance in the World Cup.

However, he says he's aware that playing for a team like Liverpool, he has to be on top form 最佳狀態(tài)。

He said: "I know the expectations, I am ready to fight and get my form."

Liverpool have had a shaky start 不穩(wěn)定的開始 this season, but jumped to ninth in the table following their third Premier League win in a row on Sunday.

Now only five points shy of 少于，落后于 fourth-placed Man City, things are looking up after a "tough week", according to Torres.

Torres has now scored four league goals this season and Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson insisted the criticism of the Spaniard has been unjustified不公正的。

"I'm pleased with the performance and I'm pleased Fernando will get the plaudits 掌聲，喝彩 because he's taken his fair share of criticism, some of which has been grossly exaggerated and certainly not fully deserved," said Hodgson.

However, he added that it can be difficult to defend a top player like Torres "when the team is not winning".

Hodgson also stressed that Torres is happy at Anfield and that the Spaniard "can see a positive future" with the club:

"He likes being at Liverpool and playing for Liverpool. I don't have any fears for the future as far as he's concerned, as long as we can get back close to the top of the table where Liverpool belong."

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti paid tribute to 稱贊某人 Torres' performance:

"Torres scored two fantastic goals and he showed he was fit and has come back 從新振作 from not a good moment. He is a fantastic striker," said the Italian.