Javier's leg too Masched to play...

[Craig_H]

Javier Mascherano has been ruled out of Liverpool's Premier League clash with Newcastle United tomorrow.
The Argentine star limped out of the 4-0 victory over West Ham with a muscle problem and will be sidelined for the visit of Kevin Keegan's Magpies this weekend.

He is also doubtful for the midweek trip to Milan when the Reds will be looking to protect a 2-0 first leg lead and book their place in the last eight of the Champions League.

"I will need to speak to the doctors before we decide about Inter Milan but he will not be available this weekend against Newcastle," said manager Rafael Benitez.

****ety ****

[Pablo]

Looks like its going to be a big week for young Lucas then. Great timing that Xabi is back on form as well.

[tomasjj]

Thank **** Xabi is back

[Craig_H]

In terms of a holding, protecting role, Alonso's not fit to lace Mascherano's boots.

[dww]

But in a slightly adapted role with Lucas also deep we have a better passing ability to attack from deep and in the our CL winning season Xabi managed the holding role with some aplomb. He isn't the dynamic tackling presence that Mascher is but he is very effective in a different way. It is obviously a blow but it is one we can accommodate much more easily than loosing a goal threat from the team to my mind.

[Slim]

But in a slightly adapted role with Lucas also deep we have a better passing ability to attack from deep and in the our CL winning season Xabi managed the holding role with some aplomb. He isn't the dynamic tackling presence that Mascher is but he is very effective in a different way. It is obviously a blow but it is one we can accommodate much more easily than loosing a goal threat from the team to my mind.

Absolutely. It would be a blow if he doesn't make it, but we have good options in midfield to cover.

[zimbo]

To my mind, Mascherano is arguably the most important figure in our current formation.

His presence allows Gerrard to operate almost exclusively in the opponents' half, closing down defenders and forcing mistakes; he creates space for Alonso to maximise, by taking responsibility for breaking up opposition attacks; he has become noticeably quicker at releasing the ball once in his possession, and his first thought is increasingly to feed Babel or Kuyt in wide positions with early, sharp passes, so adding much-needed width to our attacking play. I'm also impressed by his awareness of when to burst forward and join attacks, and he's no slouch when carrying the ball into the opposition half.

I think his presence will be crucial in any success we hope to have in the next few years.

Hopefully he'll be back for Milan, or we could have problems.

[Skillz]

In terms of a holding, protecting role, Alonso's not fit to lace Mascherano's boots.

I'll admit that is true, however it is also true of any player on the planet, for Javier is the modern master in "Hamaan" Dan. What is a lie is that Javier will not play.

[dww]

To my mind, Mascherano is arguably the most important figure in our current formation.

His presence allows Gerrard to operate almost exclusively in the opponents' half, closing down defenders and forcing mistakes; he creates space for Alonso to maximise, by taking responsibility for breaking up opposition attacks; he has become noticeably quicker at releasing the ball once in his possession, and his first thought is increasingly to feed Babel or Kuyt in wide positions with early, sharp passes, so adding much-needed width to our attacking play. I'm also impressed by his awareness of when to burst forward and join attacks, and he's no slouch when carrying the ball into the opposition half.

I think his presence will be crucial in any success we hope to have in the next few years.

Hopefully he'll be back for Milan, or we could have problems.

Thats an interesting view. Mine is that the two deeper midfield positions can accommodate quite a lot of individual flexibility so long as both players are disciplined defensively and that the key to the system working well is having wide players that join the striker when possible, hold the ball up and at least one of them offer pace on the counter. Which is why I think the key for Inter is to ensure we have Babel and Kuyt fit and ready to start as they have filled these positions excellently of late.

I think you are right to point out that Mascher is the best option as one of the two deep positions in that his mobility and covering allows his partner more freedom and effectively the option of an extra man in attack when needed. However this is to me a bonus to add to the system rather than a key to get it working.

[rage]

lucas can cover. its why we have a squad. also don't think we'll play 4231 away to milan perhaps. i can see one of kuyt and crouch starting up front alongside torres. or even 541 with carra, skertl & hypia all playing.

We will miss him though, excellent player

[lfc1394]

Our most consistent player this season. He will be a loss if he doesn’t make it the Milan game, shouldn’t be a problem against the barcodes though.

[Joe King]

I don't know what you all think about this but how about Agger to play in a deeper role in midfield, not against Inter, but in case there is an injury crisis. He is very comfortable on the ball, obviously has defensive instinct and probably get a couple of goals as well with his cultured left foot.

Just a thought.

[barnes10]

he'll be a loss no doubt but lucas with xabi alongside in the two DM roles can cover. gerrard, torres, babel and kuyt/yossi are enough to give their backline the sh1ts

[dww]

I don't know what you all think about this but how about Agger to play in a deeper role in midfield, not against Inter, but in case there is an injury crisis. He is very comfortable on the ball, obviously has defensive instinct and probably get a couple of goals as well with his cultured left foot.

Just a thought.

I honestly think that people think the CB/DM switch (or the reverse) is much easier than it is. The balls you have to defend come at different points and the risk areas are very different. I can't think of a single player who has converted after establishing themselves in one position and moved to the other with great success. About the best I can come up with is Phil Neville and that is debatable on a number of levels. I guess players like Helguera and Hierro did it and Madrid and Marquez can do it at Barcelona but Spanish footballs slower pace may make the transition easier.

[carheex]

Thank **** Xabi is back

Why's that?