Liverpool's Champions League hopes were boosted today when Javier Mascherano was 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 €24 million midfielder would be fit to face Inter match — and he was proved correct today.

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

Vice-captain Jamie Carragher will set a club record when he plays his 100th European game in the San Siro.

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