The Spaniard is one of seven senior players absent. Gerrard, Daniel Agger, Danny Wilson and Milan Jovanovic all have slight injury problems, Maxi Rodriguez is ill and Liverpool do not want to cup tie Javier Mascherano ahead of a possible move to Barcelona.

“Steven Gerrard is not fit, he suffered as slight back strain on Monday,” said Hodgson. “He was declared unfit to travel.

“We have decided it would be unwise for Fernando to travel and play because he played his first full game on Monday.

“At the moment he has the situation with his knee and the fact he is still really on a pre-season training programme we decided it would be wiser not to risk him if we want to use him on Sunday.

“We didn't wish to stress his knee unnecessarily and therefore it would be unwise to play his Monday, Thursday, Sunday as the medical staff think that would be too much for him, especially as he has been selected by Spain to go to Argentina in the next international break.”

Of the game, Hodgson added: “It is a test of strength of the squad. The only player who is left back on Merseyside who arguably could have played is Torres. Daniel Agger is still recovering from concussion. I've brought what is the very strongest squad we have available at the moment.

“I thought we were a little unlucky not to come here with a bigger lead. Two-nil would have made the task easier and we know Trabzonspor are a strong team on their own pitch. It'll be an exciting night of football.

“Trabzonspor were good at Anfield.

“Trabzon will have the home advantage and we will be the ones having to fight against the 11 players on the field and the 12th man the crowds in Turkey provide.”

TONIGHT'S officials are from Croatia with Ivan Bebek the referee.