Mascherano may miss start of Liverpool season
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano may decide to be out of the squad at the start of next season, of course that depends on Rafa Benitez allowing him to do that.
The Argentina international, who has been named in his country’s provisional squad for the Beijing Games, wants to help them retain the title they won in Athens four years ago.
‘It is a difficult situation,’ Mascherano said. ‘It’s very important for any footballer to win the Olympics.’ FIFA rules state anyone selected must travel, even if they are one of the three over-23 players allowed. Mascherano, who turns 24 in June, added: ‘I know that Liverpool has a big game around when I have to go, but we will decide with the manager. ‘We didn’t talk about this because we had big games but now we have time. I want to play for my country.’
Benitez now has a tough decision ahead of him, does he let one of his more valuable players miss some important early season games or risk upsetting him. Having a player who is unhappy may end up hurting the squad more if the player’s mind isn’t in the right place (Thierry Henry). But what if he allows Mascherano to play and the Argentine forward gets hurt and is unable to regain form in time to help the squad?
Leave a Reply