Benitez positive, Eto'o not in squad

Rafael Benitez today played down last week's training incident in Portugal and claimed his players are "ready to go and fully concentrated" on tomorrow's Champions League game against Barcelona.

The Spaniard gave little away about the reported fracas allegedly involving Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise, claiming it had been blown out of all proportion by the press.

Benitez said: "I am not going to tell you what happened. The problem is not as big as reported in the press, so there really haven't been many players fined — not nearly as many as has been reported.

"After the problem, some were fined and they have been really good."

Benitez also praised the reaction of his players following the incident.

"What happened (in Portugal) was that we were training really well. The atmosphere is really good and we are ready. They also understand how important this game is. The reaction of the players was the day after. They apologised and have now said they are ready. The reaction was great."

The Spanish coach did admit that the training ground incident was embarrassing for Liverpool, but claimed it has had no ill-effects on the club's preparations for this match.

He continued: "It was a shame it had to happen, but it doesn't matter now. It is over, as I have said. We have put it behind us and are concentrating on the game."

Benitez also claimed that his team selection will not be influenced by the events in Portugal.

"The players are all here and if they are here, I can use all of them," he said.

The Madrid-born coach also claimed that once his players are on the field, the events in Portugal will be well out of their minds.

"Those kind of things don't make any difference on the pitch," he said.

Liverpool had Javier Mascherano's registration confirmed by Fifa today and Rafael Benitez revealed that the Argentinian international could play against Barcelona.

He explained: "We have the player registered by Fifa. He is a very experienced player and is ready. He is an Argentinian international with plenty of experience, so I have every confidence in him."

Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Deco says the return to fitness of Lionel Messi is key to the holders' chances of getting a positive result, particularly with Samuel Eto'o left out of the squad.

"He is really keen to be involved because he has been out for a long time," said Deco of Messi. "There is no better time for him to return and we have missed him. He 100 percent fit now."

The European and Spanish champions have struggled to recreate their impressive form of last year, and were exposed by the quick counter-attacks of title contenders Valencia on the weekend.

In particular, Barca have been found wanting away from home which makes the first leg in the Nou Camp even more significant.