Mascherano missing for Liverpool

Midfielder Javier Mascherano will miss the FA Cup third round replay at home to Reading as he serves the final game of his four-match ban.

Defenders Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly and midfielders Albert Riera and Nabil El Zhar all remain on the injury list.

Manager Rafael Benitez could recall Yossi Benayoun to the starting line up after the Israeli began the 1-1 draw at the Madejski Stadium – Liverpool’s last fixture on January 2 – on the bench.

Provisional squad: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Darby, Insua, Benayoun, Gerrard, Lucas, Torres, Ngog, Aquilani, Kuyt, Kyrgiakos, Degen, Babel, Cavalieri, Spearing.