Liverpool are gearing up for their fixtures of Andoni Iraola’s tenure as the Reds jet off to the United States for a two-week pre-season tour.
The trip will see Iraola’s side take on Sunderland in Nashville, Wrexham in New York, and Leeds United in Chicago, giving the new head coach his first proper look at his squad in a competitive setting since taking charge at Anfield.
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The official travelling squad is expected to be confirmed later on Monday, and there’s a strong likelihood that several academy prospects will be included alongside the senior professionals.
That’s largely down to the unusual circumstances this pre-season, with a host of Liverpool’s biggest names still working through extended breaks following their involvement at the World Cup.
Iraola has already confirmed that players who represented their countries at the tournament have been given the standard three-week rest period afforded to Liverpool stars following major international competitions.
That means the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are not due to link up with the group until later in the tour, while Alisson’s return will come even later following Brazil’s exit.
Alexis Mac Allister and new signing Victor Munoz face the longest wait of all, with neither expected back until around August 9 or 10, ruling them out of the entire American tour
Meanwhile, James Pearce of the Athletic has reported that the injured trio of Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley are all set to join the touring squad despite carrying injuries:
Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, who are still recovering from long-term injuries, are set to travel and continue their rehab in the States.
It’s added that the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak will join the squad next weekend:
“Liverpool will head to the U.S. without their eight-strong World Cup contingent of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Alisson, Alexis Mac Allister and Munoz, who will instead be enjoying some time off following their tournament commitments.”
“But Gravenberch, Wirtz and Isak are expected to link up with the squad next weekend, before the final two games in New York and Chicago.
Liverpool end their pre-season with friendlies against Monaco (9 August) and Como (16 August).