Staggered Returns for World Cup Participants
Several Liverpool players are set for staggered returns to the club following their participation in the recent World Cup. The tournament concluded with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final. Eight Reds players were involved in the finals, with all progressing beyond the group stage, which has led to delayed returns for some.
Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Ryan Gravenberch are anticipated to be the first to rejoin the squad. This trio is expected to link up with the team next weekend, ahead of their second pre-season match in the USA against Wrexham on July 29.
Key Players’ Return Timelines
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker could potentially return for the final pre-season match against Leeds on August 2. However, Dutch players Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo are reportedly in line for extended breaks. Gakpo’s delayed return is understood to be due to a personal tragedy, as he and his partner experienced the loss of their unborn son in late June.
The club generally allows players three weeks off after their involvement in a summer international tournament. However, the extended breaks for Van Dijk and Gakpo, who exited the competition 21 days ago, suggest this is not a rigid rule.
Finalists Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz are not expected to report back to the AXA Training Centre until well into next month. This means they are unlikely to be involved until the final pre-season match against Como at Anfield on August 16. Their prolonged World Cup participation will limit their preparation time with new head coach Andoni Iraola before the new Premier League campaign begins.
According to reports, Mac Allister and Munoz will be given at least three weeks off following the World Cup final, in line with FIFA rules. This schedule suggests their return dates will be around August 9, with training and fitness tests commencing the following day. This timeline would make starting on the opening match day, August 23, a significant challenge for both players due to fitness and mental readiness.
Impact on Pre-Season Preparations
The staggered returns of these players will impact Iraola’s pre-season preparations. Munoz, being new to the side, will need time to integrate with the team and regain fitness after the World Cup. While he did not feature for Spain during the tournament, his match fitness is likely lower than that of Mac Allister.
Mac Allister, who played a significant role for Argentina, covered a considerable amount of ground in the semi-final against England. He has previously returned from international duty fatigued, highlighting the importance of squad depth in the midfield. The imminent returns of Gravenberch, Wirtz, and Isak will provide them with ample time to adapt to Iraola’s coaching methods.
The club had previously stated in their announcement of the initial 31-player squad for the United States tour that additional senior players would join the group later in the tour after their World Cup commitments. Hopefully, by the time Liverpool begins their 2026/27 season against Newcastle on August 23, Iraola will have the majority of his first-team squad available, excluding those recovering from long-term injuries.
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Source: empireofthekop.com
