The mask of Nando: Chelsea’s Torres celebrates his goal against Rubin Kazan (Picture: AP)

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.


Powerless: Chelsea’s Fernando Torres takes off his mask (Picture: REUTERS)

‘He has to be comfortable. If he’s okay with the mask and has to wear it, he will go maybe until the end of the season.



‘I’m not sure, I don’t know. It depends on him and he’s comfortable now playing with the mask.’

Benitez also urged his Chelsea side to make a fast start against Fulham in their league clash at Craven Cottage tomorrow night and learn the lessons from the Wembley defeat to Manchester City.

‘It was a surprise because I thought we were ready physically and mentally,’ Benitez said of the FA Cup defeat.

‘We had to adapt things at half-time. We conceded an early goal (in the second half), but after you could see the reaction of the team.

‘That means we were ready, but you have to start from the beginning, not just the second half.’