Liverpool set staggered return dates for international players, says Andoni Iraola

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has revealed when several of the club’s international players will return to training as preparations continue for the new season.

Victor Munoz is expected to join the squad next week, while Alexis Mac Allister will remain on holiday until Liverpool’s friendly against Monaco. Wataru Endo has already begun a gradual return to training and could feature for some minutes in that match.

Liverpool are currently holding their pre-season training camp in the United States of America, with Iraola using the friendlies to prepare his squad for the start of the campaign.

“Victor Munoz will join us next week. We spoke to him, and he wanted to come earlier rather than take the full three weeks he was entitled to after the World Cup,” Iraola said at a news conference.

“Munoz understands that he has joined a new club and needs time to adapt and get to know his team-mates. We will welcome him as soon as we return, and that is good news.”

Mac Allister, meanwhile, will be given additional time to recover after a demanding season and World Cup campaign.

“Alexis Mac Allister will have his rest until the Monaco match. I think he deserves this holiday after a long season and a long World Cup, because he reached the final and played a large number of minutes,” said Iraola.

“I hope he returns fully recovered and enjoys the rest he has genuinely earned.”

Endo’s comeback is further advanced, although the Liverpool manager said the Japan midfielder is not yet certain to play a full part against Monaco.

“Wataru Endo has started to return to training gradually and is very close to being ready. I hope he can take part against Monaco, and he is supposed to get some minutes,” Iraola added.

Liverpool began their preparation with a 1-1 draw against Brentford. They then recorded a 4-2 victory over Sunderland before beating Wrexham 1-0 in their third friendly.

Their next match is against Leeds on Sunday evening at 23:00 Cairo time. Liverpool will play two further pre-season friendlies before the new season begins, facing Monaco and Como.

The Reds will open their Premier League campaign against Newcastle on 23 August in the first round of the competition.

Liverpool finished last season in fifth place with 60 points. Their preparations in the United States are therefore being carried out alongside the gradual reintegration of players who have been involved in international football, with Iraola managing their return according to the amount of rest they are entitled to.

Munoz will be the next of the returning players to link up with the squad, while Mac Allister’s planned absence until the Monaco fixture reflects the extended demands of his previous campaign. Endo, who has already resumed limited training, could provide Liverpool with another option as the club approaches the final stages of its pre-season programme.