Liverpool Pre-Season: Alisson Becker’s Absence and the Return of Key Players

As Liverpool gears up for their final pre-season match against Sevilla, there have been significant developments at the AXA Training Centre. With several senior players back from international duty, the team is shaping up for an exciting season under new head coach Arne Slot. Notably, Luis Diaz’s new hairstyle has caught the eye, but the absence of Alisson Becker remains a talking point. Here’s a look at the latest updates and what they mean for Liverpool’s pre-season preparations.

Key Players Return to Training

Liverpool welcomed back six key players who had been granted extra time off after representing their nations in Euro 2024 and Copa America. Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez have all reported back to training. The Reds’ media team captured their return, with Diaz sporting a striking bleach-blonde streak in his hair.

This return is a significant boost for Slot as he looks to integrate these players into the squad. They join the likes of Mohamed Salah, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and Diogo Jota, who have returned from a successful pre-season tour of the United States. Liverpool secured three wins against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United, marking a positive start for Slot.

Alisson Becker’s Continued Absence

One notable absentee from the returning group is Alisson Becker. After Brazil’s early exit from Copa America at the quarter-final stage, there was speculation that Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper might return earlier than expected. However, there has been no sign of him at the training ground, raising questions about his readiness for the upcoming season.

Slot expressed his enthusiasm for working with the returning players, despite the absence of some key figures. “Absolutely. A lot of new players come in – I think seven, eight or nine maybe,” said the Dutchman. “Not new but they come back from their holiday. So it’s interesting to see how these players fit into the team and implement them as soon as we can.”

Preparing for the New Season

With the return of these senior players, Slot will have more options at his disposal for the upcoming fixture against Sevilla. Joe Gomez, who did not feature for England during the summer, will be the freshest of the returning players. Alexander-Arnold, last seen in action during the quarter-final win over Switzerland, is also back, while van Dijk, Gakpo, Diaz, and Nunez return after participating in the final stages of their respective tournaments.

The Liverpool squad will need to work hard over the next two weeks to be ready for their season opener against Ipswich. Slot is aware of the challenges ahead and the importance of using this time effectively. “We need to work hard in the upcoming two weeks to be ready for Ipswich because there are a lot of positives to take from today but also, like I just said, we gave away too many chances,” he noted.

Slot’s Tactical Approach and Expectations

Arne Slot’s early days as Liverpool’s head coach have been marked by optimism and a clear tactical vision. His style emphasises high pressing and quick transitions, which were evident in the team’s performances during the US tour. Slot’s philosophy aligns well with Liverpool’s traditional high-energy football, and the returning players will be crucial in executing this style.

As the pre-season progresses, Slot will be keen to assess the fitness and form of his squad. The absence of Alisson Becker might pose a challenge, but Liverpool has shown resilience in similar situations before. The focus will be on building momentum and ensuring the team is in peak condition for the start of the Premier League campaign.

In conclusion, Liverpool’s pre-season has been a blend of promising signs and lingering questions. The return of key players and Slot’s tactical approach provide a solid foundation for the upcoming season. However, the absence of Alisson Becker remains a concern. As Liverpool fans eagerly await the start of the season, the next two weeks will be crucial in shaping the team’s prospects.