Clarke: We won't rush Luis & Lucas
Steve Clarke insists Liverpool have enough quality to cope if Luis Suarez and Lucas Leiva need extra time to recover after the Copa America.
Both players are likely to reach the latter stages of the tournament, which takes place in Argentina between July 1-24.
They are therefore likely to miss a chunk of the club's pre-season preparations - meaning they'll have to race to be fully fit for the opening weekend of the Barclays Premier League campaign on August 13/14.
Clarke is adamant neither will be rushed back to action.
"We wish them all the best for their countries and we'll look after them," the first-team coach told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It'll be up to us to make sure we put them in at the right time.
"The most important thing is they get adequate recovery time.
"Obviously we'd like all the players to come in on the first day of pre-season to do a full pre-season and be ready for the start with us, but it's not the case.
"Now in football you just have to accept that different countries and different continents have their own tournaments and their own times.
"It's up to the boys to go there and do their best for their countries. When they come back we'll assess the situation, assess them fitness-wise, physically and mentally - then we'll decide how we fit them into our training schedule.
"If they are ready to start the season, fine - if they need a little bit longer to recover, that's why you have a big squad. It will give other people a chance."
Meanwhile, Clarke believes Lucas may return to Melwood with a Copa America medal - and he for one will be following proceedings closely despite the unsociable kick-off times.
"Everyone likes to keep an eye on it," Clarke said. "There is a lot of good talent in South America.
"As for potential winners, you never look beyond the big two - Brazil and Argentina. Maybe Lucas will be happy! It would be nice if Luis and Uruguay can follow up their exploits in the World Cup and maybe get to the last four as well."