Liverpool Pre-Season Tour Hampered by Key Absences After World Cup

Liverpool FC began its United States pre‑season tour without several first‑team regulars who returned from World Cup duty. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defender Virgil van Dijk were among the notable omissions, alongside new signing Alexander Isak and recent acquisition Alexis Mac Allister. Injuries also kept Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Joe Gomez out of action, limiting the squad’s depth.

Manager Andoni Iraola indicated that four new signings – Florian Wirtz, Jeremy Jacquet, Ryan Gravenberch and the French striker – are expected to feature in the final friendly against Leeds United, following their debut against Sunderland and a win over Wrexham. The club is using the tour to integrate youth talents such as Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz while managing the fatigue and injury risks accumulated during the international tournament.