Javier Mascherano will return from a one-match suspension for Liverpool's Premier League clash with Sunderland at Anfield on Saturday evening.Mascherano was banned from Liverpool's 1-0 defeat in midweek by West Ham, his former club, but he will be back in the Reds midfield on Saturday.

The midfielder's future is becoming clearer, with Liverpool having a verbal agreement that they will be able to turn the third-party loan deal they have with Mascherano's owners into an £18.6 permanent deal in the near future.

Liverpool still have Alvaro Arbeloa and Andriy Voronin out with long-term injuries but Daniel Agger is now back in full training and is expected to return later this month.

Kick-off is at 5.15pm.

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

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