Torres was barracked by some Chelsea fans after being subbed off in the midweek Capital One Cup defeat to Swansea.
The Spaniard touched the ball just 19 times during his 81 minutes on the pitch and could only muster two attempts on goal in one of the worst performances of his time at Stamford Bridge.
Benitez has moved to explain Torres' below-par showing, saying it was because the former Liverpool striker had been ill, and his only other replacement Demba Ba was not fully fit as he had a hamstring injury.
"Fernando has a stomach bug. He has had the problem for a week or more and had to play because we couldn't play Demba Ba for a long time, because he had a hamstring problem," revealed Benitez, who is confident Torres can win over the Chelsea boo boys.
"Fernando is playing with this problem - a professional trying to do his best in a difficult situation. I'm really pleased with the attitude of Fernando.
"He has been training and playing because the team needed him.
"I was there when he was with the doctor, needing tablets, but he still gave 100 per cent.
"The fans loved Torres when he was scoring and giving everything.
"They will love him again when he starts scoring goals again. They will appreciate the effort."
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