Andoni Iraola’s pre-season options have received a timely boost, with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Ryan Gravenberch joining up with the squad at their base in Chicago.
The trio missed the opening 4-2 win over Sunderland in Nashville after being granted extended breaks following their World Cup commitments.
However, they were waiting for the team upon their return to Chicago ahead of their fitness testing and return to training from Sunday onwards.
Speaking to All Red Video after the 4-2 win over Sunderland, Iraola confirmed the trio’s return and the opportunity to see them help the team’s improvement during their time in the US.
“They are already there in Chicago,” Iraola confirmed after Saturday’s match in Nashville. “They are waiting for us. Alex, Flo and Ryan.
“They will start training from tomorrow with us, and we still have two more games [in the USA].
“I hope we use them properly and we go [forward] improving slowly, slowly the things that today didn’t work.”
Liverpool travelled with 32 players to the United States but only 13 were recognisable fit, first-team options for Iraola, meaning he will welcome the injection of Wirtz, Isak and Gravenberch.
They offer timely reinforcements in attack and midfield ahead of facing Wrexham and Leeds on the final two stops on tour.
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola (L) and first team coach Tommy Elphick applauds the supporters after a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola (L) and first team coach Tommy Elphick applauds the supporters after a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
However, the new head coach still faces a balancing act in the final matches after an injury to Joe Gomez and a cautious return plan with Jeremy Jacquet.
As a result, Liverpool will continue to rely on academy players throughout the tour, namely teenage centre-back duo Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Cody Gakpo will start their pre-season in the UK at the AXA Training Centre this coming week, with Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz will be the last to report back ahead of the new Premier League season.
Iraola, though, will be hopeful and expectant that further reinforcements arrive in the transfer window between now and the start of 2026/27.
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CHICAGO, USA - Thursday, July 23, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet departs the team hotel in Chicago on day four of the club's pre-season tour of America. The team play friendly games in Nashville, New York and Chicago as they prepare for the start of the new 2026/27 Premier League season. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates with team-mate Federico Chiesa (R) after scoring the second and equalising goal during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Joe Gomez receives treatment during a friendly match between Liverpool FC ans AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)