Crossword Genius

Group with a squad kept in reserve (3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

set aside

'reserve' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'group with a squad' is the wordplay.
'group' becomes 'set' (both can mean a collection).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'squad' becomes 'side'.
'set'+'a'+'side'='SET-ASIDE'

'kept in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for set aside that I've seen before include "Preserve" , "Policy for leaving land alone" , "not productive land" , "Reserve(d) in advance" , "Lay by" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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