Benitez explains Mascherano absence

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has explained how Javier Mascherano picked up a hamstring injury, which has forced him out of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Fiorentina.

The Argentine international didn’t travel with the squad to Italy, but Benitez is hopeful he will have the midfielder available for Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

He said, “He was shooting in training and felt something in his hamstring. He went to see the doctor straight away and we found he had a small problem in his hamstring.

“It could be two or three days, but we are not sure.

“It is not a problem because I think we can manage with Stevie or another player. To lose a player like Javier is not good. But we will find solutions, whether it is with Gerrard or someone else.”