No Masch for City clash

Wantaway midfielder Javier Mascherano is reported to have refused to play against Man City this evening.

The Argentina captain has made his intentions clear that he wishes to leave Liverpool and rumours over a derisory £12m bid (plus Alexander Hleb and Martin Caceres) from Barcelona have arisen this weekend.

Mascherano though is now reported to have gone “on strike” in order to force a move away from Anfield.

Liverpool are not interested in a part-exchange deal and want at least £25m for the combative midfielder.

Lucas Leiva and new signing Christian Poulsen could now line-up alongside each other against City tonight.