Liverpool will kick off their pre-season training in early July without several key players, posing a significant challenge for new head coach Arne Slot.
With up to 12 players potentially participating in the European Championships in Germany, and Alisson Becker, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Alexis Mac Allister likely to compete in the Copa America, Liverpool could be without 16 senior players.
This situation will leave Slot with a substantially altered lineup for his first match compared to what fans can expect for the Premier League season beginning on August 17.
Liverpool’s pre-season tour features matches against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United in the United States, scheduled between July 27 and August 4. While the rest of the pre-season itinerary has not been disclosed, the team is expected to train for two weeks before heading to the U.S.The absence of many regulars from the squad is anticipated due to the overlapping schedules of the European Championships and Copa America, both concluding with finals on July 14.
Players who advance to the semi-finals of these tournaments will consequently miss the U.S. tour. Slot will therefore have to depend on players not involved in international duties and those returning from loan spells.With Alisson representing Brazil and Adrian out of contract, Caoimhin Kelleher, despite uncertainties regarding his future, is expected to start in goal. In the full-back positions, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas are likely to be the first choices.
Jarell Quansah, assuming he is not part of England’s final Euro 2024 squad, will probably start at center-back, potentially paired with Nat Phillips, Sepp van den Berg, Rhys Williams, or youth prospects like Luke Chambers and Amara Nallo.In midfield, Harvey Elliott, who missed out on selection for England, is poised to play a key role. Wataru Endo could start as the number six, depending on his potential involvement in the Olympics, with Curtis Jones available if he is not chosen for England’s final squad.
Other midfield alternatives include Bobby Clark and Tyler Morton.On the attacking front, Mohamed Salah is expected to captain Slot’s initial team, with Fabio Carvalho possibly starting on the left wing. With other forwards away on international duty, Jayden Danns might lead the attack, or Salah could play centrally, allowing Kaide Gordon or Ben Doak to feature on the right wing.Slot’s first Liverpool starting XI might therefore look like this: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Phillips, Tsimikas; Elliott, Endo, Clark; Salah, Danns, Carvalho.
This pre-season will be crucial for Slot to evaluate his squad and integrate any new signings, with the transfer window set to open on June 14.Liverpool supporters will be eager to see how Slot handles the initial challenge of a depleted roster and how he prepares the team for the forthcoming Premier League season.
The pre-season period will offer him an essential opportunity to assess the depth and versatility of his squad, ensuring they are ready for the competitive challenges ahead.
