Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has been
named in Argentina's Olympic squad - dealing the Reds an early blow
to their title challenge.
Rafael Benitez had expressed concerns about losing such an
important player for up to a month from late July and had hoped
Mascherano, as an over-age player, would opt not to
compete.
But the 24-year-old has been named in Sergio Batista's 18-man
party along with other high-profile players such as Lionel Messi,
Sergio Aguero and Juan Roman Riquelme.
It means Mascherano will miss both legs of the Champions League
third round qualifier on August 12 and 27.
Liverpool youngster Emiliano Insua - who signed a new long-term
contract with the Reds on Wednesday - will remain on Batista's
standby list.
Mascherano, Riquelme and Inter Milan defender Nicolas Burdisso
are Argentina's three over-age players.
