Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed Javier Mascherano will not be involved in Argentina's friendly against Catalunya.
Benitez believes his No.20 is approaching top form and is reluctant to let him go during the crucial festive period.
He told liverpoolfc.tv: "It's a friendly game that comes during Christmas time, and we have a game on the 26th and 28th. It's too much for us, so the best thing for us is if he doesn't go and doesn't play.
"He is coming back to the level we know. He had some problems at the beginning of the season but he's now playing really well.
"We're really pleased because we have the Mascherano we signed."