Torres has not featured since the end of November due to a hamstring problem which has dogged him for months, but is an outside bet for a place on the bench for tomorrow's clash with Bolton at Anfield.

It is testament to Liverpool's all-round improvement this season that they have managed to remain top of the league despite Torres' injuries, which have limited him to just five goals so far this term.

But with the Spaniard now approaching a comeback, Lee is confident Rafael Benitez's table-toppers can only improve.

"When you have a world-class performer ready to come in, then of course it makes you better, and gives everyone a lift," Lee said.

"The class of Torres would obviously be missed by any team, and when he's available for us he'll be a massive addition. I know that at the start of the season no-one else thought we could be top of the table, but we did.

"We don't prepare for failure, we believed we could be top, and we believe we can stay there. We're not surprised at the position we're in."

Lee added: "Torres is improving. He's been working very, very hard with his rehabilitation.

"As regards the Christmas period, I will say his rehab is coming on well.

"You have to try to take the positives from any negative situation. It wasn't nice to have him injured or missing but that's football. It's the nature of the game, and he has had a break and will be back fresh now.

"I think it speaks volumes for the squad that they have managed to get to the top without Fernando for long periods.

"It's Christmas and we are still top. That shows the commitment, desire, character and togetherness of this football club."

Further good news for Reds fans came with Lee's revelation that commanding centre-back Martin Skrtel has returned to training following a knee ligament injury sustained in October.

"Martin is back training with us which is a great boost for us," Lee told www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"He actually joined in the training session with us on Saturday and trained today.

"Everybody is so pleased to see him back on the pitch because he has worked ever so hard in his rehabilitation, and it's great to see him back.

"It's like signing a new player and he will be needed."

Javier Mascherano, who missed the draw at Arsenal last weekend through illness, is available again to face Bolton.

Liverpool enter the Christmas period top of the league for the first time since 1996.

Two wins from the next two games will give them their best points total in a calendar year for 19 years, the last time they won the title.