Javier Mascherano _460

LIVERPOOL are ready to gamble on the fitness of Javier Mascherano tomorrow – despite the midfielder having not yet returned from international duty.

Mascherano will only arrive at Melwood at lunchtime today after being on the receiving end of Argentina’s heaviest defeat in more than 60 years.

Diego Maradona’s side were destroyed 6-1 in Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier played in the thin air of La Paz nearly 12,000 feet above sea level.

In-form Liverpool will aim to pick up where they left off before the international break by moving top of the Premier League with victory at Fulham tomorrow evening.

And despite the lack of preparation and threat of jet lag, Mascherano is likely to retain his starting place given he is suspended for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at home to Chelsea.

Of Argentina’s surprise loss, Mascherano said: “For some of us, playing in the altitude was something new, for others not so much, but we can’t say that we lost because of the altitude.

“Our rivals played better and nothing turned out right for us.

“This should serve us as a lesson and it will surely consolidate the squad, who are very united and growing in every aspect.”