Liverpool is set to commence its pre-season preparations for the upcoming season, with the squad gathering at the AXA Training Centre. The initial sessions will mark the beginning of a new era under manager Andoni Iraola, who will be assessing his players ahead of the team’s departure for a pre-season tour in the United States.
The early days of pre-season typically feature a mix of established players, recent acquisitions, and academy talents aiming to impress the new coaching staff. With several senior international players still fulfilling summer commitments and others recovering from injuries, the initial group reporting for training is anticipated to be smaller than the full squad that will assemble later in the month.
Goalkeeping and Defensive Additions
The goalkeeping unit for the start of pre-season is expected to have a fresh look. Giorgi Mamardashvili is anticipated to be joined by fellow summer arrival Freddie Woodman. Additionally, Hungarian youngster Armin Pecsi is slated to be involved as Iraola evaluates his options in goal.
In defence, Jeremy Jacquet has already demonstrated his fitness. After undertaking preparatory work with Liverpool‘s Under-21s at the AXA Training Centre, he is now expected to train with the senior squad. Jacquet’s transfer to Liverpool was announced during the January window, with the player spending the remainder of the 2025-26 season with Rennes. He played a total of 159 minutes after his transfer was confirmed. A statement from Rennes indicated that Jacquet sustained a left shoulder injury during a match against Lens on February 7th, requiring surgery. He has since made a full recovery.
Jacquet will be joined by Joe Gomez, new signing Milos Kerkez, and fellow arrival Jeremie Frimpong. Kostas Tsimikas is also returning for the initial phase of preparations following a season-long loan spell at AS Roma.
Midfield and Attacking Options
The midfield will feature several familiar names. Harvey Elliott is expected to report back with the first-team squad after his time with Aston Villa last season. Despite being on the bench for the Europa League final, Elliott made nine appearances across all competitions. He has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield and is set to have an opportunity to prove his worth to Iraola during pre-season. Alongside Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell are all scheduled to be available from the first day of training.
Further forward, the attacking options for the opening sessions are fewer. Federico Chiesa and teenager Rio Ngumoha are expected to be the primary established first-team attacking players present. A number of youngsters, including Josh Abe, Jayden Danns, Kieran Morrison, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Lewis Koumas, and Will Wright, are in line to participate in training and potentially contend for involvement throughout the campaign.
Players Returning Later
Not all players will be immediately available for the start of pre-season. Vitezslav Jaros, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic, and Hugo Ekitike are all expected to miss the opening day due to injury. The squad is anticipated to be significantly strengthened upon its arrival in the United States, where captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to join up with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo.
Alisson is scheduled to return slightly later. Alexis Mac Allister and Munoz may not be available until approximately the middle of August, following their deep runs into this summer’s World Cup.
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Source: standard.co.uk
Niamh Pendlebury is the Sports Reporter at NewsGB.org, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB and the county circuit. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Preston, she plays club tennis and follows road running. “The best interviews come from patience, not pressure.”