Rafa hopeful on Masch fitness

Mascherano missed the midweek Champions League defeat to Fiorentina with a slight hamstring injury but Benitez is hopeful the midfielder will recover in time to face Chelsea.

"Javier trained today so hopefully he will be fit for Sunday," said the boss on Friday.

"For us he is a key player. He is a very good worker in the middle and he can keep the balance of the team."