Liverpool's pre-season continues with Monaco visiting Anfield on Sunday, as new head coach Andoni Iraola takes charge of his first home game. The Reds have already played three warm-up matches, including victories over Sunderland and Wrexham in the United States, but the 4-2 defeat to Leeds United last Sunday highlighted ongoing issues with squad depth and set-piece defending.
Defensive concerns ahead of Monaco clash
Centre-back availability remains a problem, with Virgil van Dijk expected to start his first pre-season game but his partner uncertain. New £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet is still recovering from shoulder surgery, while Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are out. Prospective loan arrival Ronald Araujo is set for a medical on Sunday. Youngsters Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, and Mor Talla Ndiaye impressed in the US but are unlikely to feature in the Premier League, with Ndukwe ineligible. Wataru Endo returned to training this week after an ankle problem, and Ryan Gravenberch could also fill in defensively.
New signings and young talents in focus
£34.5m winger Victor Munoz is primed for his Liverpool debut after a non-playing role in Spain's World Cup-winning squad. Preferring the left flank, his arrival could see Rio Ngumoha shift to the right, with no replacement yet for Mohamed Salah. Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are expected to get more minutes to build their partnership, but the spotlight will be on 19-year-old Trey Nyoni, whose performances in the US have impressed. Nyoni, a first-team squad member, aims to push for regular minutes and give Iraola a selection headache.
With most World Cup players returning, including Alexis Mac Allister confirmed back on Monday, opportunities for youngsters may be limited. Iraola's Anfield debut is a key chance to finalize plans for the Premier League opener at Newcastle United in two weeks.
