KENNY DALGLISH is confident key Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Pepe Reina will be fit for the start of the season.

Both players were absent from the travelling party that landed in China yesterday for the Anfield outfit’s Far East tour as they continue their rehabilitation from injury.

Gerrard is still striving for fitness after undergoing a groin operation in March while Reina had surgery to address a double hernia last month.

But Dalglish is convinced the pair will be available to line up for the Premier League opener at home to Sunderland on August 13.

“Steven is injured at the moment and that’s why he’s not here with us,” said the Scot, speaking in Guangzhou at a pre-match press conference in the team’s hotel.

“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.”