Mascherano back for Reds

Reds welcome back midfielder from back injury

Last updated: 15th September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Mascherano back for Reds

Mascherano: Back to fitness

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has been declared fit for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Debrecen.

Mascherano missed Saturday's 4-0 win over Burnley after picking up a pelvic injury while on international duty with Argentina, and he did not return from South America until Sunday following tests on the problem.

The combative midfielder has returned to training and he is expected to go straight back into the side for the clash with the Hungarian champions at Anfield.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed he has a fully-fit squad to choose from apart from Nabil El Zhar and Alberto Aquilani.

"At this moment we have Nabil El Zhar and Alberto Aquilani injured and the rest of the squad is fit," said Benitez.

Liverpool are heavy favourites to get their campaign off to a winning start against Debrecen, but Benitez is refusing to take anything for granted against the Hungarians.

Asked about the threat posed by Debrecen, Benitez said: "It's difficult to say but they have won eight games in a row, they're doing well, have some confidence and play good counter attack. They have some pace and players with ability.

"Everyone is saying we are at Anfield, we are favourites and have to win, but you never know in these games.

"I read some interviews with their players and they are really, really excited about coming here and want to play well.

"So, we are favourites but we have to prove this on the pitch."