Kenny Dalglish is confident goalkeeper Pepe Reina will be fit for the start of the season – despite the Spaniard missing out on Liverpool’s trip to the Far East.
Reina, Anfield captain Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson were not with the travelling party after the decision was made to keep them at Melwood in order to aid their recovery from injury.
Dalglish shared the disappointment of expectant supporters but says leaving the players on Merseyside was necessary if they are to be fit for the Premier League curtain raiser at home to Sunderland on August 13.
Gerrard is on the mend after a groin operation while Reina is progressing following surgery for a double hernia and the Liverpool manager believes both can be fit for the opening game of the new season.
Brazilian midfielder Lucas and January signing Luis Suarez of Uruguay have also not made the trip as they are on international duty in the Copa America.
“Steven is injured at the moment and that's why he's not here with us,” said Dalglish. “He has made fantastic recovery from his operation towards the end of last season.
“He just needs to get the final couple of niggles out of the way and then he will be fit for the start of the season against Sunderland.
“I know people are disappointed he isn't here with us but the disappointment would be far greater if he couldn't play the first game. That is why he has stayed at home, to rest and to have the best chance of being fit for the start of the season.
“The same situation applies to Pepe - he had a double hernia operation in June. He isn't fit and so had to stay at home. He should be ready for the start of the season.”
Although skipper Gerrard remains Liverpool’s most popular player to supporters worldwide, Dalglish says there is still a huge amount of talent in the squad which has made the 5940-mile trip, via Kazakhstan, to excite the crowds.
“We have some fantastic players here, all of whom have been looking really sharp in training at Melwood,” added the Reds’ boss.
“They've looked fit and looked hungry. Everybody here with us will be given the opportunity of getting some match minutes under their belts. Everybody who is here deserves to be here. Nobody who is here will let us down. We are without a few people because of the Copa America and injuries but the most important people for us are the ones who are here.”
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