LIVERPOOL midfielder Javier Mascherano is back in the side to face Arsenal for the first leg of the quarter-final at the Emirates tomorrow night.

The former West Ham man has just served a one-match ban for his red card against Manchester United.

Mascherano missed the derby day victory over Everton at the weekend following his dismissal at Old Trafford. The Argentinian holding player was shown a second yellow card by referee Steve Bennett for persistent dissent, but he will return for the crucial game against Arsenal.

His inclusion in the side is likely to see Lucas Leiva drop to the bench, while defenders Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio return to the squad.

Harry Kewell (groin) and Daniel Agger (foot) are still out with long-term injuries, so Martin Skrtel is likely to continue in central defence.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Voronin, Crouch, Torres, Pennant, Lucas, Itandje.