Mascherano returns to training

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano returned to training on Friday as he met up with the rest of his team mates at their pre-season training camp in Switzerland.

The Argentina captain was given an extended rest following international duty at the end of last season. Having been linked with a move away from Anfield, with Barcelona interested in signing the midfield enforcer, Liverpool fans will be smiling at the sight of seeing him back in a Liverpool jersey.

With Mascherano back in training, only those on Confederations Cup duty are yet to return. Pepe Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa, Albert Riera, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Andrea Dossena are all scheduled to arrive in Switzerland this weekend.

Question marks still remain over whether Alonso will indeed meet up with the rest of the squad, with The Mirror reporting on Friday that Real Madrid will increase their bid to £32m this weekend in order to capture the Spanish midfielder.

The Reds take on Rapid Vienna on Sunday evening, Mascherano could be involved but the Confederations Cup participants won’t be.