Mascherano in, Finnan out of Inter clash

Liverpool's Champions League hopes have today been boosted by the news that Javier Mascherano has been included in the party to travel for tomorrow's last-16 second-leg clash with Inter Milan.

Mascherano limped out of last week's 4-0 Premier League win over West Ham with a groin injury and missed Saturday's 3-0 success against Newcastle.

Boss Rafael Benitez was always confident his newly signed £18.6m midfielder would be fit to face Inter match - and he was proved correct today.

Liverpool - already 2-0 ahead from the first leg and anxious to join Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the last eight - are missing full-back Steve Finnan however, who has a hamstring problem.

Vice-captain Jamie Carragher will play his 100th European game - a Liverpool record - in the San Siro.

Provisional squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Aurelio, Hyypia, Skrtel, Carragher, Riise, Pennant, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Babel, Benayoun, Lucas, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Itandje.