Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is confident Steven Gerrard and Pepe Reina will be fit for the start of the season.
Skipper Gerrard and keeper Reina were left at home when the Reds flew out to China for a mini-tour of the Far East yesterday.
Gerrard, 31, is continuing his rehabilitation from groin surgery which ended his campaign in mid-March, while Reina, 28, had a double hernia operation last month.
But Dalglish is optimistic about the duo's chances of being ready to face Sunderland on August 13.
The Scot said: "Steven is injured at the moment and that's why he's not here with us.
"He has made a 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."
