Lucas set for Reds role against Chelsea

Lucas is set to take the place of the suspended Javier Mascherano in Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final first leg tie with English rivals Chelsea at Anfield here on Wednesday.

Argentina international Mascherano has been ruled out of the first leg after collecting a booking against Real Madrid and Brazil youngster Lucas is now set to play in midfield.

Yossi Benayoun, who came off the bench to score the winner at Fulham despite a calf injury sustained while playing for Israel last week, expected to be among the substitutes against Chelsea.

Central defender Sami Hyypia, who suffered an injury playing for Finland last week, is in line to return to the squad.