Liverpool’s Europa League campaign gets underway against Macedonian side FK Rabotnički – see the best football match betting here.

Javier Mascherano has held talks with new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson after returning to pre-season training on Monday morning.

The Argentina midfielder was given an extended break following his World Cup exertions but arrived at Melwood with his future shrouded in uncertainty.

Hodgson has admitted that he was unable to contact the 26-year-old whilst on holiday, casting doubts as to whether he wants to remain at Anfield this season.

Mascherano has been heavily linked with a move to Inter, where he would link up with former Reds boss Rafa Benitez.

It is the first time that the entire squad, apart from the injured striker Fernando Torres, have attended training.

However, Hodgson admitted that he may have to field some returning players earlier than he would like, with his first competitive game coming against Rabotnicki in a Europa League qualifier on Thursday.

“I don’t know what to do at this stage,” he said.

“I will have to liaise with them and (head of sports science) Peter Brukner and make a decision by Tuesday on what sort of team I can put out.

“I can promise the Liverpool fans we will put out the best possible team, without compromising the future.

“It is going to be a difficult discussion between myself and Peter because his feeling is we shouldn’t use any of them and I am going to be tempted to say I want to use quite a few of them.

“The only players I will take will be the ones that I definitely think will play a valuable part in the game.

“If we are talking about senior players, it would be players prepared to start the game.

“I would not take Steven Gerrard there to play for the last 10 minutes as a substitute.”

Liverpool’s Europa League campaign gets underway against Macedonian side FK Rabotnički – see the best football match betting here.

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