Liverpool pre-season guide: Training return date and full fixtures
Diogo Jota’s passing last week continues to be at the forefront of the minds of everyone connected to Liverpool Football Club.
The attacker played a crucial role in the Reds’ Premier League title triumph last season and he was set to be a key part under Arne Slot again this coming campaign.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva have been the subject of tributes throughout recent days after the fatal car crash they were involved in in Spain.
Many players and staff were present at the 28-year-old’s funeral on Saturday as they mourned the passing of their teammate.
Now, the difficult task for the squad will be to return to pre-season as they look to defend their title.
Liverpool pre-season returned delayed
Liverpool were set to begin their pre-season on Friday before Jota’s tragic death.
As a result, the Merseyside club have delayed the players’ return to allow them to mourn the loss of their teammate and friend.
| Diogo Jota’s Liverpool career | |
| Appearances | 182 |
| Goals | 65 |
| Assists | 26 |
| Honours | Premier League, FA Cup x1, Carabao Cup x1 |
Some stars began to take fitness tests on Monday, but this was believed to be only a small group of players.
Instead, Liverpool are expected to return in full on Tuesday as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
However, this will no doubt be a struggle for many of the stars and staff, with the absence of Jota set to leave a hole at Merseyside.
Liverpool’s pre-season schedule
Liverpool face a heavy pre-season schedule before their Community Shield showdown against Crystal Palace.
Their first match is against Championship outfit Preston North End at the Deepdale Stadium on 13 July. Kick-off is at 3pm.
However, talks are currently underway with staff and players on whether this fixture will go ahead.
From here, the Reds are set to travel out to Asia, with a showdown against AC Milan to take place in Hong Kong on 26 July. Kick-off is at 12:30pm.
After this, Slot’s team will travel to Japan to take on Yokohama F. Marinos on 30 July at 11:30am.
From here, Liverpool will return to England to take on Athletic Bilbao at Anfield twice.
Both of these fixtures will take place on 4 August, with the 5pm game being in front of fans. In comparison, the 8pm match is set to be played behind closed doors.
It is as hectic a pre-season as ever, yet it will be one unlikely any supporter has witnessed given the circumstances.
Sign up for the Liverpool News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Liverpool news sent straight to your phone.