Liverpool's head of performance Glen Driscoll has insisted that the players are physically strong following their return for pre-season.

The squad have reassembled with manager Brendan Rodgers to prepare for the 2013-14 campaign which they kick off with a clash against Stoke City.

"I'd say these days, players do look after themselves when they're away from the club and we've probably come back better than we did last season for a number of reasons," Driscoll told the club's official website.

"The players get back and they have to make sure they're within the targets we set them, otherwise they have extra sessions in order to do so. There's always an incentive for them to come back in good shape."

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that the club have started talks with striker Luis Suarez over his future.