The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international has played just 30 minutes of football since making his final appearance for former club Fulham in April, leading the Frenchman to conclude that the £3.5m defender is still someway short of full fitness with the new campaign less then two weeks away.
Houllier said: "I think he will be a bit short for the start of the season. Yesterday was his first half of football for a very long time. His last game was at the end of April. He has had just 30 minutes of football since then."
