MADRID: Liverpool striker Fernando Torres may miss the start of the season after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Wednesday that he has a groin injury.

The RFEF said in a statement that Torres had suffered a "grade one" tear to his left adductor muscle, which is likely to keep him out of action for up to a month.

The 26-year-old pulled up towards the end of Spain`s 1-0 World Cup final victory over Netherlands in Johannesburg on Sunday.

He lost his place in the Spanish starting line-up when he was dropped for the semi-final against Germany, having looked short of sharpness following his return to the side after a knee operation at the end of last season.

Liverpool have given their World Cup players three weeks off to recuperate, with Torres not due to report to Anfield until the beginning of August.

The Reds begin their Premier League campaign at home to Arsenal on August 15.

BDST: 2027hrs, July 14, 2010