Stand-in Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher has no fears over the long-term fitness of Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard underwent a groin operation at the end of last season and, after recovering from an infection, is expected to be available in September.
"It's a great honour to lead the team out but the fact is I'd prefer not to be doing it because like everyone else I want our captain back," Carragher told liverpoolfc.tv.
"I speak to Stevie all the time and he's desperate to get back involved. The quicker he is back the better.
"We missed him at the back end of last season and having him back will give everyone a massive boost.
"It will give a lift to the supporters and to the new players who have come in this summer.
"The new lads will have heard so much about him but they haven't had the chance to train with him yet. To get to play and train with Stevie will be great for them and I'm sure that will help their development.
"There's still plenty more to come from Steven Gerrard.
"He's one of the best, if not the best player to play in the Premier League over the past decade.
"When Stevie is back playing it will be like we've just signed a great new player. He's still got four or five years ahead of him to play for Liverpool."
