When Liverpool travels throughout Asia, the team will be without its captain.
Steven Gerrard will not accompany his teammates when they leave for Asia on Sunday, as he will continue his rehab program for his injured groin, the team announced on Tuesday.
"I'd really been looking forward to travelling out to China, Malaysia and Singapore and meeting firsthand as many of our fans as possible, and I'm really sorry that I won't now be able to do that," Gerrard said. "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."
Manager Kenny Dalglish shared Gerrard's disappointment but stressed the importance of building up health for the start of the season.
"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," Dalglish said. "Steven continuing his rehabilitation programme at Melwood is in everybody's long term interests."
