Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano will miss his side’s crucial festive fixtures after being handed a four match ban for his red card at Portsmouth of Saturday.

The impish Argentine was given his marching orders for a dangerous challenge on Tal Ben Haim, as his side succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Fratton Park.

However, Mascherano’s involvement in Liverpool’s next set of fixtures would have been in doubt anyway as the midfielder sustained a knee ligament injury while making the challenge.

Liverpool’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv, announced the midfielder will sit out the Christmas fixtures with Wolves and Aston Villa as well as the FA Cup tie at Reading and the league clash with Tottenham Hotspur.