Liverpool continued preparations for the new campaign with sessions at the AXA Training Centre on Wednesday, as 28 players worked ahead of the visit of Como.
Two friendlies with Serie A side Como will close out Liverpool’s pre-season schedule on Sunday, with the club announcing an earlier kickoff time of 11.30am for the first behind-closed-doors game.
Andoni Iraola will need a big squad to cover both kickoffs, with it likely that a stronger side is used for the 6pm clash at Anfield.
The head coach led a session with 24 outfield players and four goalkeepers on Wednesday, as Ronald Araujo joined the squad for the first time.
Liverpool’s 28-Man Training Squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman, Hall
Defenders: Van Dijk, Araujo, Jacquet, Kerkez, Tsimikas, Frimpong, Ramsay, Chambers
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Jones, Elliott, Endo, McConnell
Forwards: Isak, Wirtz, Ngumoha, Gakpo, Munoz, Chiesa, Morrison, Koumas
Jeremy Jacquet also made his return to training having yet to feature in pre-season, while Curtis Jones was back after a hip issue ruled him out of the 3-2 loss to Monaco on Sunday.
Alexis Mac Allister took part in the full session after reporting back to the AXA on Monday and Victor Munoz was involved again.
The notable absentee was Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who has started every pre-season friendly so far and been one of Liverpool’s standouts, but is set for a loan move having failed to qualify for a UK work permit.
It remains to be seen if Ndukwe will be in one of the squads to face Como, but it is possible he misses out and instead departs to his new temporary club.
Stefan Bajcetic absence explained
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic walks out to watch the second half during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic walks out to watch the second half during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Stefan Bajcetic was also not in training and This Is Anfield understands the Spaniard is still being carefully managed, instead watching the session on an exercise bike on the side of the pitch along with Giovanni Leoni.
Iraola has retained a group of academy players in forwards Kieran Morrison and Lewis Koumas, midfielder James McConnell, defenders Luke Chambers and Calvin Ramsay and goalkeeper Bailey Hall.
No decisions have been made regarding their futures at this stage, and while it is likely that the majority of those six head out on loan, some could be kept as part of the wider first-team squad.
Victor Munoz of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on August 05, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Victor Munoz of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on August 05, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool could add a handful of others to the squads to face Como, though the focus at this stage will be on those Iraola is planning around for the campaign ahead.
With only a week between Sunday’s friendlies and the Premier League opener at Newcastle, it is crunch time for the Spaniard and his staff.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 25, 2025: Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah after the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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