Benitez rested Mascherano for City clash

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says he rested Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Benitez decided to save Mascherano so that he would be fully fit for the clash against Manchester City on Sunday.

“Javier was fit, he was fine. But we had four days between the PSV game and the trip to Manchester City, so I felt the player could be held back for the game on Sunday,” said Benitez.

“Everyone was fit, but I knew we had Lucas who could come on and play in midfield. I preferred to think of the next game and keep Javier for that.

“Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard were also both doing fine, so there was no need to use him against PSV, I preferred to keep him back for the games we have to come.”

Mascherano missed Liverpool’s last Premiership match against rivals Everton with a calf problem.

[Source: Liverpoolfc.tv]