Liverpool is set to commence its pre-season preparations for the upcoming season on Tuesday at the AXA Training Centre. The initial sessions will see players not involved in the latter stages of the World Cup begin training under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The team’s departure for a pre-season tour in the United States is scheduled for the following week, making the early days crucial for both new signings and returning players to make an impression.
The early phase of pre-season training is anticipated to feature a mix of established players, recent acquisitions, and academy prospects. Due to ongoing summer commitments for several senior international players and others recovering from injuries, the initial squad is expected to be smaller than the full complement that will join later in the month.
Squad Updates and New Arrivals
In goal, Liverpool is expected to start pre-season with a new-look goalkeeping unit. Giorgi Mamardashvili and fellow summer arrival Freddie Woodman are anticipated to be present, alongside Hungarian youngster Armin Pecsi, as Iraola evaluates his options.
Defensively, Jeremy Jacquet has already demonstrated his fitness by undertaking preparatory work with Liverpool’s Under-21s. He is now expected to join the senior training group. Jacquet’s recovery comes after he sustained a left shoulder injury in February, which required surgery. He was officially unveiled as a Liverpool player earlier in the week, having been allowed to complete the remainder of the 2025-26 season with Rennes following his transfer announcement in January.
Other defenders joining the initial pre-season sessions include Joe Gomez, new signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, and Kostas Tsimikas, who returns from a season-long loan spell at AS Roma.
The midfield will also feature several familiar faces. 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 is entering 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. Other midfielders set to be available from day one include Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell.
Forward options for the initial sessions are fewer, with Federico Chiesa and teenager Rio Ngumoha expected to be the primary established first-team attacking players present. Several 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 stake a claim for involvement throughout the campaign.
Players Expected to Join 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 strengthen considerably upon its arrival in the United States. Captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to link up with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo there. Alisson is due to return 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.
On Thursday, Jeremy Jacquet was observed by Andoni Iraola and sporting director Richard Hughes at the AXA Training Centre.
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Source: standard.co.uk
Lucy Ashby is a Sports Reporter at NewsGB. She reported on the county circuit and Team GB. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Durham University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Durham, she plays club cricket and follows distance running. “The best sport reporting starts by listening.”
