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Liverpool’s opening pre-season game vs Liverpool is reportedly set to go ahead this Sunday.
The first-team squad returned to the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby on Tuesday for their pre-season preparations.
Arne Slot’s men was granted extra days off to process the loss of Diogo Jota.
The atmosphere on Merseyside was understandably sombre, as players and staff processed the devastating news and paid their respects to their late team-mate.
Preston, who began their own pre-season build-up at Bamber Bridge earlier this week, will host Liverpool in what will be the champions’ only domestic friendly before their far-east tour
ITV will broadcast the match live at 3pm BST for free, a decision that was made before the heartbreaking tragedy.
Following consultations with the squad, Liverpool and Preston agreed that the fixture could proceed, with appropriate tributes planned at Deepdale to honour Jota’s memory, according to the Lancashire Post.
They report:
“It’s understood that the Sunday fixture at Deepdale has been given the go-ahead following sensitive talks between both clubs in the aftermath of the tragic car crash.”
“The difficult decision also comes after both players and staff of the Reds were consulted on the game following their return to the club’s AXA Training Centre in Kirkby on Tuesday.”
Preston North End announced on Tuesday that tickets for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool at Deepdale are available to the general public.
After the visit to Deepdale, Liverpool will turn their attention abroad, embarking on a high-profile Far East tour that kicks off against AC Milan at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park on July 26 (5:30 am BST).
Four days later, on July 30, they face Yokohama F. Marinos at Nissan Stadium in Japan, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 am BST.
Upon returning home, the Reds will stage a double-header against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on August 4, with matches at 5 pm and 8 pm BST, before contesting the FA Community Shield against Crystal Palace at Wembley on August 10.
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