Liverpool have pushed back the beginning of their pre-season plans following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car accident in northern Spain on Thursday morning.
The Liverpool forward had been travelling to take a ferry from Santander to Portsmouth ahead of returning to training on Merseyside.
But, devastatingly, Jota and his brother never made it. Since his death was announced on Thursday, tributes for Jota have been pouring in.
For Liverpool, they were supposed to come back from the summer break in celebratory mood, toasting their status as champions for as long as possible.
Instead, players and fans alike will be dreading things starting up again. The feeling could hardly be more different. Nevertheless, training will recommence, even if a little later than planned.
Jordan Henderson kneels as he pays tribute to late former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota at Anfield following his death in a car accident.
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool set for Monday return to training
According to The Athletic, Liverpool were initially slated to begin their 2025/26 campaign on Friday.
They report that ‘a handful of players’ were due to report to the Liverpool training ground on the 4th of July in order to undergo fitness tests.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
However, following Jota’s death, this arrangement was understandably cancelled.
Arne Slot and a number of the Liverpool squad spent Saturday in Jota’s hometown of Gondomar, as the two brothers were laid to rest.
READ MORE: Fernando Torres once shared how ‘special’ late Liverpool star Diogo Jota was as a young player at Atletico Madrid
The Athletic continue that some players and staff will now be due back on Monday, when a ‘staggered return’ will begin.
It remains to be seen exactly what pre-season will look like at Liverpool this summer, but it is certainly going to be emotional for everyone involved.
When is Liverpool’s first friendly?
This summer had been all set for one of excitement for Liverpool supporters. Having added some brilliant new signings, many fans could not wait for things to get going again.
But Jota’s passing is a reminder of how quickly things can change in life, and the mood has now shifted completely.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s pre-season schedule is currently slated to go ahead as planned.
Supporters will have their first chance to honour Jota in a match setting a week on Sunday, when they face Preston North End at Deepdale.
The game is likely to be an incredibly emotional occasion with the two teams likely to come together in honour of Jota.