Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is closer to a full recovery from knee surgery.
The Brazilian was back at Melwood this week as Brendan Rodgers put his new squad through their paces in preparation for next season and explained why patience will be the key if he is to get back to full fitness.
"I'll be back at the same level that I was because I am working really hard to recover and the players that I have beside me will help me," Lucas told liverpoolfc.com. "I just have to be patient again; much of my life in Liverpool has been like that.
"I'm still in the progress of my rehab. I've been training with the team for a few days. There is still a long way to go and a lot of work to be done but I am very happy to be able to train and I'm looking forward to the new season.
"I will be trying every week to recover and to progress. It's still four or five weeks until the start of the season and our Europa League games, so it's still too early to say if I will be ready but I'm looking forward to starting the season and being able to play.
"I'm looking forward to meeting the players coming back from the Euros and starting the season. I think everybody is really, really excited for the new season."