Liverpool are back and pre-season is well underway, but there are still players who have been enjoying well-earned breaks following the World Cup.
Liverpool’s internationals are returning bit by bit following the summer’s centrepiece tournament.
Each player was given at least three weeks off after their exit from the World Cup, so the squad for the first friendly against Sunderland was very much a diluted outfit.
On their return from Nashville to Chicago, the team were greeted by Alexander Isak, Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz, who joined up following their summer holidays.
Wirtz, in particular, turned heads with photos of his travels.
The German spent time in Los Angeles, sporting a questionable look, before flying home to Koln where he got back on the pitch.
He then found time for some more relaxing in the sun before heading back to the US, where he met up with his teammates.
Gravenberch also enjoyed his holiday after the Netherlands’ round-of-32 exit from the World Cup, taking the opportunity to spend time with family.
Unlike Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, Gravenberch didn’t make it to Wimbledon, but he made sure to stay up to date with the tennis by the pool.
Despite being knocked out alongside Gravenberch, Van Dijk was awarded slightly more time off, as was Cody Gakpo whose partner suffered a miscarriage during the World Cup.
They have returned to training on Merseyside this week but made the most of their time off.
Gakpo spent time in Ibiza with his girlfriend, Noa van der Bij, and their son, Samuel Seth.
Meanwhile, the captain recovered from a season in which he played more minutes than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.
He certainly got around during his weeks off, too, meeting the likes of Elton John, tennis world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and friend Kevin De Bruyne.
Last week, Iraola said of Van Dijk, Gakpo and Alisson: “They will start training at the AXA in Liverpool.
“We thought, for different reasons, especially Virgil, because he has been the player with the most minutes in Europe.
“I think they are going to, Cody as well for other reasons, start training the same week as the others.
“But instead of making them come here with the team, we considered it was sensible with them to start the first week training in a small group, or even with younger players, at the AXA.”
Finally, Alisson is still on holiday in Brazil and has been spending time with acquaintances.
His friend, Fernando Kunrath, posted the above photo on Instagram with the caption, ‘Friendship contract renewed for another season’.
Football – FA Premier League – Aston Villa FC v Liverpool FC
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Friday, May 15, 2026: Liverpool substitute Mohamed Salah during the pre-match warm-up for his final two games for the club before the FA Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool FC at Villa Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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Bradley BARCOLA of France celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group I match between France and Senegal at MetLife Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport)
Bradley BARCOLA of France celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group I match between France and Senegal at MetLife Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport)