With Liverpool’s preparations for next season well underway, the squad list for the German leg of the pre-season has prompted a number of comments.
Fabinho’s omission from the squad as he approaches a move to Saudi Arabia has clearly highlighted the 32-man squad, but there are other things we have learned.
Here we look at some of the things we saw with the squad pre-season and dive into the possible reasons for the exclusions and retirements.
Morton is still recovering
Tyler Morton enjoyed a mostly fruitful loan spell at Ewood Park last season, but his season was ultimately cut short after a broken foot in April.
It may be some time before we see the red-shirted youngster again and there could even be another temporary move in the near future, but Morton did not travel with the Reds for their opening pre-season match.
The 20-year-old made 40 league appearances for Blackburn in 2022/23 and was hoping to be part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans for next season, but his preparations look set to get off to a flying start following his unfortunate injury.
Chambers to go on loan?
Luke Chambers has not been named in the manager’s 32-man squad for the camp, suggesting he could be loaned out again this summer.
The defender has reportedly attracted the attention of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Championship sides Watford and Sheffield Wednesday.
After a short but successful spell in Scotland helping Kilmarnock secure top security, it appears the 19-year-old will have to wait a little longer before he gets a chance to prove what he’s capable of at Merseyside.
Gordon still has a long way to go
Kaide Gordon has made encouraging progress towards a long-awaited comeback after being sidelined for a year and a half with a pelvic condition.
The teenager is set to make a full return to training but the fact that he missed the trip to Germany suggests there are still major hurdles to overcome before that happens.
Gordon will be looking to finally return to the first team after enjoying three cup starts for the Reds in the 2021/22 season, but his own preparations for now will be to continue his rehabilitation process at Kirkby on his own.
Lots of young goalies!
Although there are some notable absentees, the manager certainly doesn’t hesitate to invite his goalkeepers.
Six of his centre-backs have made the trip to Germany as the team steps up their preparations, easing some fan concerns over Alisson’s understudy should Caoimhin Kelleher leave at some point.
The 36-year-old Adrian will be joined by youngsters Marcelo Pitaluga, Vitezslav Jaros and Fabian Mrozek, where they will work closely with John Achterberg to impress Klopp ahead of the new season.
Others not present
Neither Layton Stewart nor Dominic Corness were allowed to travel with the first team for the first two pre-season games, despite both taking part in the first few days of training at Kirkby.
While we can only speculate on the reasons for their omissions, given the number of players brought to Germany, it seems more like a decision by team management.
Both are hoping to move up the ladder and perhaps make a cup cap or two in 2023/24 if they stay at Merseyside beyond the summer.
Who knows, there might be opportunities to join the team in Singapore later this month.
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