Torres: Suspected concussion

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres could miss the opening game of the new Premier League season after suffering a head injury with Spain.

The Blues frontman lasted just 14 minutes of Wednesday night's international friendly against Italy in Bari before leaving the field with suspected concussion.

Chelsea begin their bid to regain the Premier League crown with a testing trip to Stoke on Sunday.

But it remains to be seen if Torres will be fit to feature with the forward due to undergo further examinations from the Spain medical staff, who have insisted his departure from the field was purely precautionary.

The former Liverpool striker has endured a miserable time at Stamford Bridge following his £50million arrival in the January transfer window.

The previously prolific frontman managed just a solitary Premier League goal during the remainder of the campaign and often looked badly out of sorts.

With new manager Andre Villas-Boas at the helm of the Blues following his arrival from Porto, Torres will have been keen to make an early impression.

However, he could now be forced to miss the clash with the Potters after an untimely injury in a round of friendlies which have already raised eyebrows from many club managers.