Benitez faces sweat over South American trio; Benitez sweats over trio's return.

Byline: IAN DOYLE

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 coming week.

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

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

Benitez has previously sounded his concerns over the focus 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, who secured their berth last month, face a difficult game at altitude in Bolivia this weekend.

But 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.

"Despite we have already qualified, we're Brazil and we have to win always.

"We try to keep the squad together and give chances to some new players."

Defeat at Stamford Bridge left Liverpool six points adrift of current leaders Chelsea and outside the Champions League qualification places.

After the trip to Sunderland, Benitez's side entertain Lyon in the Champions League and then welcome title rivals Manchester United to Anfield. Meanwhile, Martin Skrtel believes he should have been awarded a penalty on Sunday. With the scoreline goalless, the Slovakian defender was shoved by Didier Drogba as he rose to meet a Liverpool corner shortly before half-time. However, referee Martin Atkinson waved away appeals and Drogba went on to provide the assists for both Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda as Chelsea won the match 2-0. And Skrtel said: "A cross was flying to the near post where I was and I was jumping to make a header. "At that moment Drogba clearly pulled me down with his hands. I think it should have been a penalty kick for us. "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. "I'm feeling the disappointment from the Chelsea game."

CAPTION(S):

Rafael Benitez Martin Skrtel