Gerrard misses Liverpool´s Asian tour

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of the club’s tour of Asia as he continues his recovery from groin surgery.

The England international has not featured for the Reds since March following an operation on his groin, and trained away from the main group on Monday.

And Liverpool have confirmed the 31-year-old will remain on Merseyside to continue his rehabilitation while his team-mates embark on an eight day tour of China and Singapore.

“Steven and the medical team have done fantastically well so far and they are in the final stages of getting him back to full training,” manager Kenny Dalglish told Liverpool’s official website.

“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 programme at Melwood is in everybody’s long-term interests.”

Gerrard said he was disappointed not to be fit for the tour, but was determined to be fit for Liverpool’s English Premier League season opener against Sunderland on August 14.

“I’d really been looking forward to travelling out to China, Malaysia and Singapore and meeting first hand as many of our fans as possible, and I’m really sorry that I won’t now be able to do that,” Gerrard said.

“All of us at the club realise the incredible support we enjoy in these countries and how much it means to our supporters there.”

“But 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 programme at Melwood.”

“It’s disappointing I won’t be with them, but I’m sure the lads who go out there will put a great show on for our fans.”