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Liverpool’s preparations for the 2026/27 campaign are beginning to come into focus, although Andoni Iraola may have to wait before working with his strongest squad.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool’s players are expected to report back for pre-season training around 13 July, giving Iraola just over a month to prepare his side for the opening Premier League fixture away at Newcastle United on 23 August.
It promises to be an unusual summer for the club. While a core group will begin work at the AXA Training Centre as scheduled, several senior players are likely to remain on holiday following their involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That staggered return could shape Liverpool’s preparations throughout July and into early August.
Photo: IMAGO
World Cup schedule reshapes Iraola’s plans
International tournaments always present managers with difficult decisions, but this summer brings an added layer of complexity for Iraola.
Liverpool entered the World Cup with eight representatives before Wataru Endo was forced to withdraw through injury. Several remaining internationals have progressed deep into the competition, meaning their mandatory post tournament break will delay their involvement in pre-season.
Players are typically granted around three weeks off following major international commitments. That timetable makes it increasingly unlikely that those reaching the latter stages of the World Cup will feature in Liverpool’s opening weeks of training.
Among those expected to return later are Alisson Becker, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk, Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister and summer signing Victor Munoz.
For Iraola, it means balancing fitness work with tactical preparation while integrating academy prospects and players who return earlier from their summer break.
United States tour could feature unfamiliar faces
Liverpool’s pre-season schedule includes three fixtures across the United States, but supporters should not expect to see every established star involved.
The Reds begin their American tour against Sunderland in Nashville on 25 July before meeting Wrexham in New York on 29 July. Preparations conclude with a fixture against Leeds United in Chicago on 2 August.
Given that the World Cup round of 16 begins on 4 July, many players involved beyond that stage are unlikely to recover, enjoy their required holiday and return in time for the tour.
That scenario could hand valuable opportunities to younger players hoping to impress Iraola before the competitive campaign begins. Pre-season has often provided academy graduates with a platform, and this summer may prove no different given the unusual circumstances.
Liverpool will then return to Merseyside for home friendlies against Monaco on 9 August and Como on 16 August before competitive football resumes.
Victor Munoz arrival adds fresh dimension
While several players remain occupied internationally, Liverpool’s recruitment has continued.
Victor Munoz has officially joined the club from Osasuna after Liverpool activated his £34.5 million release clause. His arrival ensures Iraola will have at least one important new face available once preparations begin, although his own World Cup involvement may ultimately delay his integration depending on Spain’s progress.
Building relationships within a new tactical system always takes time, making every training session valuable during pre-season. That is particularly true for players arriving from different leagues and footballing cultures.
Liverpool’s coaching staff will therefore be hoping as many squad members as possible return in time for meaningful work before the Premier League opener.
Opening weeks demand careful balance
Managing workload rather than chasing immediate results will be Liverpool’s priority throughout July.
Fitness levels, tactical understanding and player integration all take precedence during pre-season, particularly when significant numbers return at different stages. Iraola’s challenge will be ensuring Liverpool arrive at St James’ Park fully prepared despite an interrupted build-up.
With domestic and European ambitions once again high, there will be little room for a slow start. The staggered availability of international players may complicate planning, but it also offers opportunities for emerging talent to demonstrate their readiness.
Liverpool have navigated disrupted summers before, and the coming weeks will test the depth of the squad as much as the quality of those returning from the World Cup.
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