Liverpool’s Pre-Season Plans: Key Players, Absences, and Upcoming Fixtures
As Liverpool gears up for the new season, significant changes and preparations are underway. Mohamed Salah, who enjoyed a stellar season with 25 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions, has made a strategic decision to forego participation in the Paris Olympics with Egypt. This choice is aimed at ensuring he is fully prepared for Liverpool’s upcoming campaign.
Notable Pre-Season Absentees and New Additions
In addition to Salah, Liverpool’s pre-season squad features several key players including Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and Jarell Quansah. These players, who collectively made 74 Premier League appearances under Jurgen Klopp last season, are set to play crucial roles as the team prepares for the new season.
However, Liverpool will be missing a number of their prominent players from recent international tournaments. A total of 11 key squad members are on extended breaks following their participation in the European Championship and Copa America. This includes several pivotal figures who will return later in pre-season.
Current Squad and Pre-Season Fixtures
So far, only Dominik Szoboszlai, Andy Robertson, and Vitezslav Jaros have rejoined the squad from their post-tournament breaks. The current squad for the pre-season tour comprises the 25 players who featured in Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Preston North End last week.
Liverpool’s pre-season tour will see them face a series of fixtures in the United States. The first of these matches is scheduled against Real Betis in Pittsburgh on Friday. Following this, the Reds will take on Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal. These games will serve as important preparations for Liverpool as they finalize their squad and tactics before the season begins.
Season Opener
The pre-season tour will culminate with the squad returning to Merseyside to prepare for their opening match of the season. Liverpool will kick off their campaign away at Ipswich Town on August 17. This match marks the beginning of what Liverpool hopes will be a successful season, building on their strong performances from the previous year and integrating new strategies and players into their lineup.
