Steven Gerrard will not play any part in tonight’s Champions League quarter final, second leg, at Chelsea this evening.
The midfielder has been struggling with a groin injury which he picked up in the first leg last week, and was an unused substitute against Blackburn on Saturday.
He traveled with the squad to London and took part in training at Stamford Bridge on Monday night and Rafa Benitez had hinted he would be involved as a “calculated gamble”.
However, the manager must feel it is too big a risk to play Gerrard and lose him for the upcoming League games, where the Reds are in the title race for the first time in years, seeking to end a 19 year wait for the title.
Gerrard’s place in the side is taken by Yossi Benayoun. Lucas Leiva also starts in midfield and could play in the central role, with Benayoun on the left side.
Confirmed line-up: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Mascherano, Alonso, Lucas, Benayoun, Kuyt, Torres.
Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Agger, Riera, Babel, Ngog.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Carvalho, A. Cole, Essien, Ballack, Lampard, Kalou, Malouda, Drogba.
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