Liverpool have confirmed that two members of their first-team squad are back at the AXA training centre
Liverpool have used their 2026 pre-season programme to combine a United States tour with an intensive training schedule as preparations continue for the new campaign under head coach Andoni Iraola.
The Reds opened the tour with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland in Nashville and are set to face Wrexham in New York before concluding the trip against Leeds United in Chicago.
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Several World Cup participants have rejoined the squad at different stages following extended breaks, while others have remained at the AXA Training Centre to continue their fitness work.
Liverpool have confirmed that Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo have returned to the AXA Training Centre after their involvement with the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beginning their preparations for the new season while the rest of the squad continues its pre-season tour of the United States.
The Dutch duo were granted an extended break following the tournament, with head coach Andoni Iraola previously confirming they would resume training at Kirkby rather than travel to America.
Van Dijk and Gakpo join goalkeeper Alisson Becker in reporting back to the AXA Training Centre this week.
Iraola had explained that the trio were on a different return schedule to teammates Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who linked up with the squad during the US tour after their earlier World Cup exits.
Their return provides Liverpool with another boost as preparations continue ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. While the first-team squad completes its pre-season fixtures in North America, Van Dijk and Gakpo will build their fitness individually at the club’s training base before rejoining the group later in pre-season.
The Reds will face Wrexham in New York on Thursday before taking on fellow Premier League side Leeds United in Chicago on Sunday, concluding their pre-season tour of the United States.
Liverpool will then return to Anfield in August, where Iraola will take charge of his first home match against AS Monaco before welcoming Como on August 16 in the club’s final pre-season fixture.
Virgil and Cody checking in at the AXA Training Centre 👋 pic.twitter.com/jjZxhaVhfS
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 28, 2026
Cody Gakpo
Virgil van Dijk