Mascherano Olympics-bound?

Reds could lose midfielder for start of next season's campaign

By Patricio Figueroa   Last updated: 19th January 2008

Javier Mascherano Liverpool

Mascherano: Olympics-bound?

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Liverpool could be on a collision course with the Argentinian FA over Javier Mascherano's possible participation in the Olympic Games.

Argentinian Under 23 national team coach Sergio Batista has included the Reds' midfielder in the list of players for this summer's Olympics, along with Bayern Munich's Martin Demichelis and Juan Roman Riquelme, who plays for Boca Juniors.

The Games take place from 8th-24th August, which would mean Mascherano missing the start of next season's Premier League campaign if he plays.

Speaking of the situation, Batista told the Argentine media: "Riquelme is a player that I like very much. I spoke with him and he wants to be at the Olympic Games.

Important

"I have also included Mascherano because he is very important for the midfield of any team and Martin Demichelis can give his experience to the defence.

"These three players will surely be in the friendly match that we will play on 6th February against Guatemala in Los Angeles.

"Then in August we will have to see if their clubs let us have them for playing in China."