Mascherano returns for Reds

Posted Wednesday, September 16, 2009 by PA

Liverpool will have Javier Mascherano back in their squad for the Champions League group E clash with Debrecen at Anfield.

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

But the midfielder has been declared fit and is expected to figure in a side that, says manager Rafael Benitez, does not have any other injury problems, apart from long-term absentees Daniel Agger and Alberto Aquilani.

Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Lucas believes he is winning over Liverpool fans after being given a tough time by sections of the crowd last season.

The 22-year-old's form dipped during the Reds' prolonged spell of poor home form which eventually cost them the title.

Lucas has burst back onto the scene this season however as a stronger and more determined player who has even handled the tough job of stepping into Xabi Alonso's shoes.

He has been ever-present this term and is expected to anchor midfield again when Liverpool open their campaign against the Hungarian champions.

Lucas said: "Nobody likes to be criticised, but such things happen in football. In many ways it has been a good experience for me because I am strong physically and mentally now.

"I can play with more relaxation and patience. I can be calmer because I know the fans are supporting me more.

"If (manager) Rafa (Benitez) had wanted me to leave, he would have said so. But he always said he had confidence in my football and I was improving.

"I am now a better player than when I arrived. I did some physical work in the summer to put on some kilos to help me play in the Premier League, and that has helped me a lot."

He added: "I am trying to improve all the time, I am feeling more confident and I will be able to maintain this level."

Lucas has played his part in keeping the Liverpool midfield ticking over in the absence of Alonso, who completed a big-money move to Real Madrid over the summer, but the Brazilian who moved to Merseyside from Gremio in July 2007 insists he offers something different from the Spain midfielder tactically.

"I am not the same player as Xabi Alonso, although everyone keeps comparing," he added.

"Now we have another style of football, and I am being asked to go forward more than Xabi did.

"Xabi has gone, he was a good player for Liverpool, but now we have to work with the squad we have here.

"This is my third season here, and I am playing more games. This is the first time I have played five games in a row and I believe I am playing well and this gives me more confidence.

"I have to always prove I have the quality to be in the team. If that happens and I do well the fans will support me, they have been really good with me this season and have been very supportive."