Duo ruled out for Reds

Midfield pair miss trip to Florence

Last updated: 28th September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Duo ruled out for Reds

Mascherano: Laid low

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Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun have been ruled out of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League clash with Fiorentina.

The midfield pair have not travelled with the rest of the squad to Italy for Tuesday's Group E tie due to illness and injury respectively.

Maschaerano, who made a late appearance off the bench in the weekend win over Hull City, is suffering from sickness, while Benayoun picked up a leg knock in the same game.

Argentine enforcer Mascherano was expected to return to the starting line-up against Fiorentina, but his absence means Steven Gerrard is likely to continue in midfield alongside Lucas Leiva.

Ryan Babel will be hoping to get the nod to replace Benayoun in the starting line-up after his two-goal show as a substitute against Hull.

Return

Meanwhile, Daniel Agger is set to make his return to action for the reserves on Tuesday night.

Agger has been pencilled in to feature in the reserves' clash with Manchester City after recovering from a back injury.

The Danish international has not featured this season after being forced to undergo surgery on the problem and Liverpool reserve team boss John McMahon believes it is an ideal game for the defender to make his return.

"It is fantastic to see Daniel back and it's a great boost for everyone at the club," McMahon told the club's official website.

"It's always great to see quality players come back from injury and this will be a perfect game for him to make his comeback.

"It's a fantastic stadium with a great pitch and it is always a fantastic boost for the young lads when they have a top professional like Daniel playing alongside them.

"The young lads look up to him and they can learn from him as well."