Andoni Iraola’s latest pre-season plans have Liverpool fans terrified all over again

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Liverpool’s pre-season kicks off later this month against Sunderland, and a number of players are expected to be absent.

Thanks to the 2026 World Cup, those who have competed at the tournament, including Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister and Virgil van Dijk, are set to have more time off before linking up with Andoni Iraola and the rest of the team.

Van Dijk’s extended absence, in particular, leaves Liverpool with a serious lack of depth at centre-back, and fans are worried.

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Jeremy Jacquet and Joe Gomez starting pre-season at centre-back has fans worried about centre-back depth

Ibrahima Konate left the club on a free transfer this summer, meaning new signing Jeremy Jacquet, the injured Giovanni Leoni, the injury-prone Joe Gomez and Van Dijk are the current centre-back options who will be competing for a place in 2026/27.

However, it emerged this week that the Dutch stopper will take more time off this summer and Leoni remains sidelined, meaning Gomez and Jacquet will start pre-season as Iraola’s main pairing in the backline.

This has not gone down well with Liverpool fans, who are worried their team will be ‘screwed’ with one injury.

They are especially concerned about Gomez’s inability to stay fit, and have questioned why a new centre-back has not been signed.

Just some of the reaction can be seen below:

• “We are allergic to buying a centre-back”
• “So Leoni isn’t even ready. Imagine not signing another CB now.”
• “What’s the bet Gomez pulls up early on and they’re all shocked”
• “So our CB options going into the season are two untested kids, one of whom is recovering from an ACL injury, a player that can’t stay fit for more than two consecutive games and a 35-year-old. Great planning lads”
• “One injury to a CB and we’re screwed”
• “Shows just how badly they need another elite centre back. But as always, the club is left short”

While Van Dijk should be back in time for the start of 2026/27, the lack of depth long-term remains a problem.

We have no idea how long Leoni, who played just one game last season, will take to be fully match fit.

Meanwhile, Van Dijk is out of contract next year, so a new centre-back probably needs to come in anyway.

However, there are no real links to a new central defender right now, but perhaps that will change as the summer goes on.