Liverpool is set to commence its pre-season preparations for the upcoming campaign on Tuesday at the AXA Training Centre. This marks the official beginning of a new era under manager Andoni Iraola, with players not involved in the latter stages of the World Cup joining early sessions. The initial days of pre-season will feature a mix of familiar faces, new arrivals, and academy prospects aiming to make an impression.
The squad’s departure for a pre-season tour in the United States is scheduled for the following week, making every training day crucial for new signings to integrate and returning players to demonstrate their value to the new head coach. Due to ongoing summer commitments for several senior internationals and others recovering from injuries, the first group of players is expected to be smaller than the full squad that will assemble later in the month.
Goalkeeping and Defensive Additions
The goalkeeping unit at Liverpool is anticipated to have a fresh look for pre-season. Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to be joined by fellow summer arrival Freddie Woodman. Additionally, Hungarian youngster Armin Pecsi is set to be involved as Iraola evaluates his options for the new season.
In defence, Jeremy Jacquet has already demonstrated his fitness by undertaking preparatory work with Liverpool‘s Under-21s at the AXA Training Centre. He is now expected to train with the senior group. Jacquet, whose transfer was announced in January, spent the remainder of the 2025-26 season with Rennes, where he sustained a left shoulder injury in February. Following medical examinations, surgery was scheduled. However, he has made a full recovery and was observed by Iraola and sporting director Richard Hughes on Thursday.
Joining Jacquet in defensive training will be Joe Gomez, new signing Milos Kerkez, and fellow arrival Jeremie Frimpong. Kostas Tsimikas is also returning for the initial phase of preparations.
Midfield and Attacking Options
The midfield will see several recognisable names reporting back. Harvey Elliott is expected to rejoin the first-team squad. Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell are all set to be available from the first day of pre-season.
Further forward, the attacking options for the opening sessions are fewer. Federico Chiesa and teenager Rio Ngumoha are anticipated to be the primary established first-team attacking players present. A number of youngsters are expected to be given opportunities to participate in training and potentially contend for involvement throughout the campaign. These include Josh Abe, Jayden Danns, Kieran Morrison, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Lewis Koumas, and Will Wright.
Players Expected to Miss Early Sessions
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 strengthen considerably once they arrive in the United States, where captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to link up with the team. Alisson is due back slightly later, while Alexis Mac Allister and Munoz may not be available until around the middle of August, following their deep runs into this summer’s World Cup.
Harvey Elliott, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield, is set to receive an opportunity to prove his worth to Iraola during pre-season.
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Source: standard.co.uk
As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”