Liverpool announced today that Steven Gerrard will not join the rest of the squad when they leave for their tour of Asia on Sunday, with the Club captain staying at Melwood to continue his rehabilitation programme in time for the start of the new season.

The Reds will play games in both China and Malaysia and train in Singapore on the eight day trip to the Far East.

Manager Kenny Dalglish explained: "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. 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."

Steven Gerrard added: "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. 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."