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The club's coach Rafael Benitez, approaching the crucial second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, decided to let his key players - goalkeeper Pepe Reina, defender Jamie Carragher, and midfielder Steven Gerrard - rest.
All three of these players did not travel with the team to Portsmouth, where "Liverpool" will face the local team in today's Premier League match.
"S. Gerrard will watch the match from home on TV, and the other players will also have the opportunity to rest," said R. Benitez.
"Our club's priority at the moment is to overcome the barrier of the Champions League semi-final and reach the final. If we finish third in the domestic league - great, but reaching the final would be even better."
It is almost certain that at least two more starting players - Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger - will not appear on the field at least from the start of the match.
Meanwhile, "Portsmouth" coach Harry Redknapp may have to do without two key midfielders, Sol Campbell and Linvoy Primus. Both of them suffered minor injuries and it will only be clear just before the match whether they can play.
