Benitez counts cost of Torres' injury

Liverpool manager Rafa Bentiez has been bemoaning the absence of striker Fernando Torres from his side, and the consequent dip in form this has resulted in for his team. Indeed, Benitez appears to be suggesting that, should Liverpool fail to win the Premier League title this season, it will be directly connected to Torres’ various injuries. This raises some interesting questions: what is the total cost of an injury to a club? How much of this cost can be attributed to medical care for the player? How much of this cost can be attributed to lost revenues in the light of weaker performances on the pitch? Are there opportunity costs that can also be attributed to the injury of a leading player?