The midfielder is set to take part in next Wednesday's match, which comes just four days before Liverpool take on Everton in the Merseyside derby.

"I’m really, really happy that Mascherano will go to Egypt to play a friendly," the sarcastic Benitez was quoted as saying by Daily Express.

"These are things that you can’t understand. Rules are rules, so the players must go. It’s the same problem for all the top sides."

The Spanish coach is aware his comments, as usual, will be ignored by decision-makers.

"Normally the best players are in the top sides and they are playing Champions League or playing for the title. We have spoken about this a hundred times before"