​Liverpool are set to return to training on Tuesday at the AXA Training Centre, marking the first proper step into the Andoni Iraola era with no time to waste. The squad heads to the United States in just a week, which makes these initial sessions crucial. Pre-season always arrives in fragments, and this time is no exception: some players are back, others remain away, a few are carrying injuries, and a handful of youngsters are suddenly training with the senior group. That dynamic is the reality here, with the reporting group not yet resembling the squad Iraola expects to have by the time the Premier League season kicks off.
In goal, the early lineup is already taking shape in a different way. Giorgi Mamardashvili is anticipated to be involved from day one, joined by fellow arrival Freddie Woodman. Armin Pécsi, the young Hungarian goalkeeper, is also likely to receive substantial attention as Iraola begins to make decisions about the position. At the back, Jérémy Jacquet has already demonstrated his fitness after working with Liverpool’s Under-21s and is expected to step up to the senior setup. Joe Gomez will be involved, along with new signing Milos Kerkez and another newcomer, Jeremie Frimpong. Kostas Tsimikas also returns for the opening phase after a season-long loan at Roma. This combination gives Iraola a solid defensive base to start with, even if it isn’t complete. It provides enough structure to work on shape, pressing, distances, and basic patterns, which is what the first week is typically about.
Midfield appears comparatively stable. Harvey Elliott is anticipated to rejoin the first-team squad following his loan at Aston Villa last season. Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell should also be available immediately. The mix matters: there is senior quality, but also energy from younger players who understand this is an opportunity to be noticed. Iraola will demand intensity, and this group should deliver it.
Further forward, Liverpool’s attacking options are currently thin. Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha are expected to be the only established first-team attackers in the opening sessions, leaving space for academy players to fill the gaps and to make a case for themselves. Josh Abe, Jayden Danns, Kieran Morrison, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Lewis Koumas, and Will Wright are all expected to be involved. This is where pre-season can shift the narrative: a strong week could secure a tour spot, and a standout tour could alter a season.
Not everyone is ready, though. Vítězslav Jaros, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajčetić, and Hugo Ekitike are all expected to miss the opening day due to injury. The squad should look more formidable once Liverpool reach the United States, with Virgil van Dijk expected to link up there with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo. Alisson Becker is due back slightly later, while Alexis Mac Allister and Muñoz are also part of the broader plan for a stronger, more complete squad as the pre-season continues.