Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano welcomed the return of Fernando Torres after his matchwinning cameo against Wigan Athletic.

Torres netted the crucial second goal during last night's 2-1 victory over Wigan, celebrating his 100th appearance for the Reds with his 49th strike.

Mascherano told liverpoolfc.tv: "It is so important for us that Fernando stays fit.

"We know that we can win games when he is not playing but, equally, when he is on the pitch, you can see the respect that other teams give him.

"He causes them so many problems. With Fernando and Stevie (Gerrard) on the pitch, we know that there is always a chance something special can happen.

"It is so good for our team and the confidence they give us. When they are not in the squad, others have to do their job and David Ngog has been doing his job really well.

"But the key players are the key players and you cannot change that. We need to keep the key players fit for the rest of the season."