Rodgers: It'll be good to see Luis

Rodgers: It'll be good to see Luis

Published Jul. 21, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is looking forward to linking up with wantaway striker Luis Suarez in Australia.

The 26-year-old, who has made no secret of his desire to leave Anfield this summer, was always due to meet up with the Reds partway through their pre-season tour having been given extra time off following his appearances at the Confederations Cup with Uruguay.

And Rodgers, whose side beat an Indonesia XI 2-0 in Jakarta yesterday, dismissed any suggestion he might not turn up, telling several national newspapers: "He's on the plane and we will see him in Melbourne.

He added: "I'm looking forward to seeing him, he's a player I've always supported.

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"I understand the situation but the bottom line is he is employed by the club.

"The money goes into his bank at the end of every month, so he should be here.

"If he's not, which I doubt, there will be a problem."

One player who does appear to be on his way out of the club is goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move to Serie A side Napoli following the arrival of Simon Mignolet from Sunderland.

"I've a lot of time for Pepe," Rodgers said. "He has a big season with the World Cup.

"If he wasn't going to be playing, it could severely harm his chances of going."

Defender Jose Enrique believes Liverpool have a squad capable of challenging for honors next season.

The Reds finished seventh in the Premier League last season in Rodgers' first term in charge at Anfield.

However, Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto, and Iago Aspas have all been added to his squad this summer while he is still looking to bring in a couple more high-profile signings before the start of the new season.

Enrique believes a few more additions can help them challenge for success on all fronts.

"We already have a great team and we have more some new players and of course with more additions we can fight for everything," said Enrique.

"I think we have a very, very good team."

Meanwhile, captain Steven Gerrard is happy with his fitness after making his first appearance of pre-season in Saturday's win.

Gerrard reported no ill-effects from his first action since undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this year and the midfielder is keen to get more action under his belt ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

"My shoulder felt fantastic, so it was nice to get the first 45 minutes under my belt and hopefully I'll get slightly more time in Australia.

"It's been feeling fine now for a few weeks in training, there have been absolutely no problems.

"The surgeon gave me the go-ahead to play and the manager was sensible in giving me 45 minutes. I'm really happy with how I feel."

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