Liverpool 'confident' Steven Gerrard will be fit in time for next season

The England captain has undergone shoulder surgery

Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard pictured for Liverpool in their match against Everton (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool expect Steven Gerrard to be fit for the start of pre-season despite reports to the contrary.

The 33-year-old midfielder missed the end of the Reds' season as well as England's internationals against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil as a result of shoulder surgery.

Some reports had suggested the Anfield captain would fail to make the start of next season, but in a short statement on their website Liverpool said: "The club can report that Gerrard's recovery remains fully on track.

"As stated originally, the club's medical team are confident that the midfielder is on schedule for his comeback and expect Gerrard to be fit and ready for pre-season training."

PA