Kewell cleared for Premiership start

Gerard Houllier breathed a huge sigh of relief last night after being told Harry Kewell will be fit for the start of Liverpool's Premiership assault.

Anfield's £5 million Australia striker will be absent when his new team-mates fly out today for their two-match tour of the Far East.

Kewell limped off just before halftime in a 1-1 draw at Crewe on Saturday to the obvious concern of his manager, who feared the injury could sideline him for the season opener against Chelsea on August 17.

But a scan yesterday revealed the ligaments in Kewell's left ankle had escaped major damage and he could be back in action in less than a fortnight.

Houllier said: 'It's sore and it's a problem, but it's just a strain. Harry should be able to do some gym work and some cycling this week and maybe some running by the end of the week.'

The big concern for Houllier is his cut-price signing from Leeds will not be able to kick a ball for at least a week, falling behind on his match fitness.

But he is quietly confident that Kewell, who took a knock on the same ankle at the club's training camp in Switzerland, will feature in next month's Amsterdam Tournament, with the August 3 friendly against Galatasaray pencilled in as his comeback game.

Houllier added: 'His ankle has lateral ligament damage. Obviously it's a disappointment but it's not too serious. He should be fine for the start of the season.'