Liverpool will be without Javier Mascherano when they take the field against Fiorentina tomorrow night. The midfield destroyer is complaining of a tight hamstring.

This latest setback could be of significance should Mascherano miss the weekend clash with Chelsea. His absence from the side would likely see Gerrard in a deeper central midfield role, which would once again compromise the Liverpool skipper’s attacking potential.

Elsewhere there are reports that Beneyoun is also missing with a leg injury, although Liverpool’s official site confirms his place in the squad. It’s thought that Benayoun will go into the tie a major doubt, although as he has flown out to Italy, it would suggest that he will undergo a fitness test and is therefore more likely to make the Chelsea game.