Report: The two European clubs Liverpool are expected to face during the World Cup

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Liverpool are expected to face two European clubs in friendlies during the World Cup, according to reports. The Reds are getting their plans in order.

This comes from the Athletic. They detail talks around a round-robin tournament in Dubai this winter as clubs look to keep fit during the World Cup.

They explain Arsenal’s preparations, mainly, saying that they’re set to play this tournament against Lyon and AC Milan. Liverpool should be the fourth team involved – but won’t face Arsenal.

So that would leave Lyon and Milan as two key friendlies for the Reds this winter. It’s a period where all the players who aren’t in Qatar must keep their fitness levels high with club football resuming after Christmas.

And there will be plenty of players.

Liverpool plan friendlies during World Cup

Joel Matip, Luis Diaz, Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, James Milner, and now Roberto Firmino. Those are the players who absolutely won’t be at the World Cup this winter as they’re either not qualified, retired from international football or not picked.

Diogo Jota almost certainly misses the tournament, too, with his injury. We can’t see Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho … actually, it’s just easier to name the player who will go.

Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Darwin Nunez. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains an unpredictable one.

So that’s really it. Everyone will remain with the Reds and get a decent break this winter – rehab injuries. So while, yes, they’re friendlies, Liverpool will have a chance to put the bulk of their best team together in Dubai.

That’s something to celebrate. Liverpool endured a tricky start to the season but this break should help fix things. A strong couple of friendlies may put them right on track for 2023 and the season’s business end.