Source: Liverpool_Echo
Javier Mascherano can take his big chance at Chelsea - Liverpool FC latest
THERE'S no doubt that Javier Mascherano was sorely missed in Florence on Tuesday night. Without him, Liverpool lacked a physical edge in midfield and the Viola were able to wreak havoc.
The lightweight combination of Fabio Aurelio and Lucas was far too easily bypassed.
But it was a sign of Mascherano's slow start to the campaign that his absence with a tight hamstring was only bemoaned after rather than before the Reds' Euro disappointment.
The fact is the 25-year-old has so far failed to rediscover the form that he showed in his first two seasons at Anfield.
This season he has not been an automatic pick on Rafa Benitez's team sheet.
With the manager having learned there is no need to play two holding midfielders at home to teams whose only ambition is to pinch a point, Mascherano has been the one to miss out.
Lucas was selected ahead of him for the opening Champions League match against Debrecen and at home to Hull City last weekend.
Having also missed the rout of Burnley due to a pelvis injury, Liverpool have secured some of their most emphatic wins without requiring his services.
Mascherano is set to return to the starting line up for tomorrow's Premier League showdown at Chelsea. It's the kind of game ideally suited to the Argentinean.
