South American headache for Rafa

Rafael Benitez faces an unwelcome selection headache at the start of a potentially pivotal week in Liverpool's season.

Three key players have been called up for long-haul international duty just days before the Premier League visit to Sunderland.

Argentine pair Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua are in their country's squad for the decisive World Cup qualifying double-header against Peru and Uruguay this week.

And Lucas has been included in a 24-man squad for Brazil's qualifiers in Bolivia at altitude on Saturday and at home to Venezuela four days later.

It means the trio - who all started Sunday's defeat at Chelsea - will arrive back on Merseyside only a few hours before Liverpool depart for the critical clash at the Stadium of Light on Saturday week.

Benitez has already sounded his concerns over the mental state of Mascherano, who is skipper of an Argentina side that is fighting desperately to avoid shock elimination from the World Cup.

With only the top four teams guaranteed qualification from the South America group to next summer's finals in South

Africa, Diego Maradona's side currently lie fifth.

Brazil coach Dunga said: "We have two games ahead and the first one is very wearing, but we'll try to do our best in Bolivia.

"We will make a decision following the condition the players have at that point.

"Although we have already qualified, we're Brazil and we have to win always. We try to stay top of the group and give chances to some new players."

Meanwhile Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel claims he should have won a penalty during Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.

The Slovakian defender made his comments in a radio interview after returning home for this week's internationals.

"A cross was flying to the near post where I was and I was jumping to make a header," Skrtel said.

"At that moment (Didier) Drogba clearly pulled me down with his hands. I think it should have been a penalty kick for us."

Liverpool's title hopes have whittled further following the loss at Stamford Bridge and Skrtel admits he is keen to erase Sunday's result from his memory ahead of a World Cup clash with Slovenia

Skrtel added: "Naturally, we all feel very sorry about the result. Chelsea scored two goals while we scored none despite creating some good opportunities. That's why they won.

"At the moment I'm feeling the disappointment."

The views expressed in this story do not necessarily reflect the views of Liverpool Football Club.