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 on Saturday, dismissed any suggestion he might not turn up, telling several Sunday 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.

“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.”