Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has confirmed both Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane will definitely be rested for tomorrow's Carling Cup fourth-round tie at Tottenham. And he has intimated Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso could also be left out.

Benitez's decision means Keane will not be able to face his former club, having left Spurs for Liverpool during the summer.

Benitez had made it clear he would rest several senior players — some of whom have played six games in 18 days — for the game at White Hart Lane, but has only now confirmed exactly who they will be.

Benitez said: "Gerrard will not be in the squad and neither will Keane. It is always difficult to play so many games in a row and you have to change some players depending on the competition. The majority of them can play games in a row but some need to be taken care of.

"Gerrard is one of them at this moment. Dirk Kuyt is another who has played almost every game. Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Keane are the same.

"You also have to consider that some of these players have played internationals this season too. I believe Keane has played 23 games already. We will use players who haven't played every game. I have confidence in them because they are all internationals."