With Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz both involved in this weekend’s World Cup final, here is when Liverpool can expect the pair back for pre-season training.
The 2025/26 campaign will finally end for Liverpool’s two World Cup finalists on Sunday night, 11 months after the season began.
It comes with Argentina setting up a clash with Spain in New Jersey after they overcome England and France respectively in the semi-finals.
While a career-high opportunity for both players, Andoni Iraola has already admitted he would have preferred his full Liverpool squad to work with from day one of pre-season.
But the Liverpool head coach knows he will not have either Mac Allister or Munoz available for fitness tests and training until August 10 at the earliest.
How late pre-season return will affect Liverpool’s squad
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister ties his boot lace before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
FIFA rules stipulate that players must be given at least three weeks off after the World Cup, which means the pair will take time away from July 20 to August 9.
It also means both Mac Allister and Munoz are set to miss all but one of Liverpool’s warmup friendlies, before likely returning to the squad to face Como at Anfield on August 16.
Iraola’s side will then kick off the Premier League campaign away to Newcastle on August 23, with it doubtful that either player is in starting contention by that stage.
However it remains possible that Mac Allister will be considered to start at St James’ Park – for example, Trent Alexander-Arnold returned from Euro 2024 just 11 days before the opening game of Arne Slot‘s reign and started in that trip to Ipswich.
Victor Munoz of Spain during the friendly match between Spain and Egypt played at RCDE Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Sergio Ruiz/PRESSINPHOTO)
Every precaution will be taken not only physically but also mentally, with the toll of a long season needing to be factored in even though – for one of the two players – it will end by lifting the World Cup.
A 15-man group reported back to the AXA Training Centre for day one of pre-season on Monday, with five others working on their rehabilitation work in the gym.
With those knocked out in the earlier rounds of the World Cup not due back until Liverpool land in the United States next week, it will be a mixed squad on tour.
It is expected to include a number of academy players, with 15-year-old Josh Abe due to travel having committed his long-term future to the club and been handed the No. 40 shirt.