Gerrard won’t be risked for Reds’ Asian jaunt

LIVERPOOL have opted not to risk Steven Gerrard in their pre-season friendlies in the Far East as the midfielder continues his rehabilitation from a groin operation.

However, other players at the club appear to have been deemed far from indispensable with forward Milan Jovanovic claiming he has been told he has been given permission to find a new club after a disappointing 12 months at Anfield.

News of Gerrard’s withdrawal from the tour to China, where the team play Guangdong next Wednesday, and Kuala Lumpur, where they face a Malaysia XI on July 16 before hosting a training session in Singapore the following evening, will not come as a surprise.