Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo both joined Liverpool training on Friday, but Jeremy Jacquet‘s involvement against Leeds remains in doubt after missing the outdoor session.
Andoni Iraola has not only had to contend with World Cup absentees this pre-season, but also several players carrying injuries into the summer.
Jacquet, after season-ending shoulder surgery in February, is one Liverpool have had to manage carefully, with club staff opting not to field him in the first two friendlies.
Iraola has been expecting the Frenchman to be involved against Leeds on Sunday, but his absence from the main training session on Friday has cast doubt on that.
The centre-back instead remained in the gym while the majority of the squad undertook an intense session in front of the cameras, likely leaving Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Luke Chambers as Iraola’s central options.
Giovanni Leoni similarly remains sidelined from main training, but joined Jacquet in the gym as his comeback from last season’s ACL tear continues.
Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic take part in outdoor session
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While Liverpool’s centre-back options remain incredibly thin, there was a welcome sight in Chicago as Endo and Bajcetic joined the session with Iraola and Co.
The pair travelled to the US despite their respective injury issues, but have made timely progress during the tour to take part in Iraola’s intense training session.
Bajcetic has been sidelined for more than a year after undergoing hamstring surgery, while Endo was unable to lead Japan at the World Cup after trying to return from the ankle injury suffered at Sunderland.
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Wataru End? during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The duo were involved as Liverpool worked on set-pieces and took part in small-sided games and drills, with the tempo of training notably driven by Iraola and his staff.
After long stints out, neither Bajcetic nor Endo will be anticipated to feature against Leeds, but their progress points to a potential return in one of the three friendlies back on Merseyside.
In other news, Federico Chiesa was involved in training after missing the win against Wrexham due to illness.
Football – LFC Foundation Friendly – Chelsea FC Legends v Liverpool FC Legends
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 11, 2025: Liverpool's Jay Spearing celebrates after the LFC Foundation match between Chelsea FC Legends and Liverpool FC Legends at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
2026-07-25-328-Liverpool_Sunderland (1)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola (L) and first team coach Tommy Elphick during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
2 collage diagonal (less angle) (62)
2 collage diagonal (less angle) (62)