Jordan Henderson is expected to return to full team training with Liverpool after this weekend's Community Shield clash with Arsenal.
The Englishman has been out since injuring his knee during the Reds' 3-1 win over Brighton five games from the end of the last Premier League season.
It was initially feared that Henderson could be facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines before a scan showed that he would be ready in time for the new campaign.
The Liverpool captain has stepped up his rehabilitation during a training camp in the Austrian town of Saalfelden that began last week.
And, while he will miss Saturday's Wembley showdown with Arsenal, he will be ready in time to kick off the Reds' defence of their top-flight title.
With Henderson nearing the end of his recovery, England manager Gareth Southgate agreed to omit him from the squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmmark.
He did, however, include Trent Alexander-Arnold, who hasn't been with Jurgen Klopp's squad in Austria due to fitness concerns.
But the young Scouser is expected to be fully fit to feature for the Three Lions having overcome a minor issue that prevented him travelling to the continent at Melwood.
