Liverpool may lose midfielder Javier Mascherano to Argentina's Olympics campaign.

The Beijing Games take place from August 8 to 24, which would mean Mascherano missing the start of next season's Premier League campaign if he plays.

Speaking of the situation, Argentina U23 boss Sergio Batista said: "Riquelme is a player that I like very much. I spoke with him and he wants to be at the Olympic Games.

"I have also included Mascherano because he is very important for the midfield of any team and Martin Demichelis can give his experience to the defence.

"These three players will surely be in the friendly match that we will play on February 6 against Guatemala in Los Angeles.

"Then in August we will have to see if their clubs let us have them for playing in China."