Liverpool’s World Cup players to return on staggered schedule
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has provided an update on the return of players who participated in the recent World Cup. Several key players are set to rejoin the squad at different times, with some linking up with the team in the USA and others beginning their pre-season at the AXA Training Centre in Liverpool.
Ryan Gravenberch, Alexander Isak, and Florian Wirtz are expected to be among the first to return. They are scheduled to join the squad in Chicago during the second week of the team’s two-week spell in the USA. This timing means they could be available for the pre-season match against Wrexham on 29 July.
Iraola confirmed that he has spoken individually with these three players, and he is keen to integrate them into the group to help them understand the team’s approach. He emphasised the importance of starting work with them as soon as possible to aid their physical recovery and tactical understanding.
Staggered Returns for Key Players
Other prominent players, including Alisson Becker, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk, are on a similar return timeline to Gravenberch, Isak, and Wirtz. However, their pre-season training will commence at the AXA Training Centre in Liverpool while the main squad is in North America.
Iraola explained that while their training start dates are similar, the decision for them to begin at the AXA Training Centre was made for various reasons. He specifically mentioned Virgil van Dijk, noting his significant minutes played in Europe, and Cody Gakpo, who will be given time after a personal tragedy. They will join the main squad upon its return from the USA tour.
Alisson Becker could potentially return for the final pre-season match against Leeds on 2 August. This staggered approach allows for individual needs and recovery periods to be addressed effectively.
Late Returns for World Cup Finalists
The latest players to rejoin the squad will be Alexis Mac Allister and new signing Victor Munoz. Both players participated in the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, which Spain won 1-0 after extra time. Munoz was part of the victorious Spain squad, while Mac Allister’s Argentina side fell short in their bid for consecutive titles.
Due to their involvement in the final, Mac Allister and Munoz will have an extended period of rest. Iraola acknowledged that their late returns might impact their readiness for the opening Premier League fixture against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on 23 August.
The head coach stated that while it might affect the start of the season, it is important to consider the long-term well-being of the players, especially Mac Allister, who played extensively during the season and in the World Cup. He anticipates that most other players will be in optimal condition for the first game.
Mac Allister and Munoz are not expected to report back to the AXA Training Centre until well into next month and are unlikely to be involved until the final pre-season match against Como at Anfield on 16 August.
The 2026 World Cup saw eight Liverpool players participate, with all of them progressing beyond the group stage, leading to these delayed returns. The club generally allows players three weeks off after international tournaments, though this is not a strict rule, as seen with the delayed returns for Van Dijk and Gakpo.
The imminent returns of Gravenberch, Wirtz, and Isak will provide them with ample time to adapt to Iraola’s coaching methods. The aim is for the bulk of the first-team squad to be available for the start of the 2026/27 season against Newcastle on 23 August.
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Source: liverpoolfc.com