Liverpool, England, July 5: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will miss the club's preseason Asian tour to continue his recovery from groin surgery.
The 31-year-old midfielder will continue his recuperation at Liverpool's training ground while his teammates visit China, Malaysia and Singapore. The squad departs Sunday.
"After sitting down and talking with the medical experts and technical staff, it's been decided that the best course of action is for me to continue my rehabilitation program at Melwood," Gerrard said Tuesday.
The England international has not played since March 6.
Manager Kenny Dalglish's priority is to have Gerrard fit for the start of the Premier League season.
"They are in the final stages of getting him back to full training," Dalglish said. "I'm sure there will be supporters disappointed that Steven is unable to be with us in Asia but I'm sure the same people will appreciate the importance of Steven giving himself the best possible opportunity of being fit to play against Sunderland on the opening day of the new campaign.
"Steven continuing his rehabilitation program at Melwood is in everybody's long term interests."
Gerrard started just 20 of 38 Premier League matches last season, compared to at least 30 in each of the previous five campaigns. AP
