Liverpool have got their pre-season underway but there are some key faces missing.
Football is back and for the Reds, they are taking on Preston North End at Deepdale, their first game since officially being able to call themselves Premier League champions.
This is Arne Slot’s first chance at experimenting with his new players, as well as giving a chance to current ones and youngsters.
Of course, at this point in the season it is all about fitness and getting minutes under your belt, meaning that changes will be aplenty and fans can see all their favourites among the action.
However, this is not quite the case as the Dutchman has left out a few very key players, including record signing Florian Wirtz and captain Virgil van Dijk.
Not to worry though Reds fans, they will feature very soon and there is a reason for their absence that is entirely understandable.
No risks being taken over players’ fitness
It has been a hugely emotional time for all involved with Liverpool in recent weeks, with the tragic death of Diogo Jota affecting the whole footballing community.
Although no one wants to think of anything else other than Jota and his family at this time, unfortunately the players and the staff have a job to do, no matter how hard this may feel.
As per the Liverpool ECHO, Slot decided to leave out some key names – including Wirtz, Van Dijk and Alisson – after the Reds ‘disrupted’ start to pre-season. A number of players have reportedly been taking part in individual training sessions’ so far.
Fans may be disappointed by not being able to see new signing Wirtz or van Dijk, but the decision makes a lot of sense given this unprecedented situation.
Other players also on individual training sessions back at Kirkby reportedly include Ibrahima Konate, Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz, with the latter also heavily linked with a move away.
Stars such as Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are featuring, however, and starting from the off, while Slot will ring the changes later on to ensure everyone gets some minutes.
Liverpool will still have plenty of debutants
From the off, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has been handed his debut and he has started in between the sticks, although he is the only one in the starting XI.
Many debutants are on the bench, though, and will come on for some minutes, with the most likely being Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
New shot-stoppers Freddie Woodman and Armin Pesci are also on the bench, but it is unlikely both will get a chance against Preston.
Other players who will not feature are Stefan Bajcetic, due to injury, as well as Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton who are on an extended break after helping England retain the UEFA European Under-21 Championships.
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