Liverpool surrendered a two-goal lead as Leeds United came from behind to claim a 4-2 victory in the final match of both sides’ pre-season tour of the United States on Sunday.
Andoni Iraola’s side dominated the first half, with Luke Chambers opening the scoring before the returning Florian Wirtz doubled Liverpool’s advantage.
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However, Leeds transformed the contest after the break by introducing Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Harry Wilson, scoring three goals in 13 second-half minutes.
Brenden Aaronson capitalised on a mistake from Milos Kerkez to reduce the deficit before Calvert-Lewin levelled from Ethan Ampadu’s long throw.
Sean Longstaff then completed the turnaround with a scuffed finish, before Calvert-Lewin added his second with another goal from a long throw.
Liverpool’s squad arrived back on Merseyside on Monday morning after departing the United States shortly after the defeat.
According to The Athletic, the players will reconvene at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby on Wednesday to begin preparations for next Sunday’s friendly against Monaco at Anfield.
The focus will now shift to training and Liverpool’s three remaining pre-season fixtures, with returning World Cup players and potential new signings expected to strengthen the squad.
Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo returned to training last week but remained at the AXA Training Centre rather than travelling to the United States. They are expected to rejoin the group this week, alongside Alisson and new signing Victor Munoz.
Alisson was granted an extended four-week break following the World Cup, while Munoz has cut his holiday short to settle into life at Liverpool and integrate with his new teammates. Alexis Mac Allister, meanwhile, is not due back until around August 10 after featuring in the World Cup final.
Liverpool host Monaco at Anfield on Sunday, August 9, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30pm BST. Van Dijk and Gakpo are expected to feature, while Alisson and Munoz could also make their first appearances of pre-season.
The Reds will then conclude their preparations with a double-header against Como on Sunday, August 16. The first fixture will be played behind closed doors at 12pm BST before a second match at Anfield kicks off at 6pm BST.
Liverpool will remain without Vitezslav Jaros, Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni as they continue their respective injury recoveries.
Jeremie Frimpong is expected to have avoided a serious issue after requesting to come off against Leeds, while Jeremy Jacquet will need to prove his fitness after being carefully managed during the US tour. Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic have returned to training and could feature in the upcoming friendlies.