Liverpool were in action for the first time under Arne Slot on Friday as they fell to defeat against Preston.
In the end, the result was immaterial, as the Reds got vital minutes in the tank ahead of the tour to the USA next week.
All in all, the new head coach fielded 25 players in the behind closed doors game at the AXA Training Centre.
As well as run outs for stars such as Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, Slot ran the rule over a number of young players as prospects from the academy.
Those with keen eyes on the teamsheet will have noticed a couple of Liverpool players unexpectedly missing, though.
Jayden Danns picks up injury
One of the players who didn’t feature during the 1-0 loss was goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Kelleher could leave Liverpool this summer having made it clear that he’s ready to be a starting goalie somewhere else.
The fact that the 25-year-old was not one of two ‘keepers to play against Preston is surely the biggest hint yet that Kelleher is leaving.
Another who fans may have expected to see given minutes was youngster Jayden Danns.
Danns announced himself in quite spectacular fashion last season, bagging two goals for the senior side and impressing in the Carabao Cup final.
Danns was deemed to be ‘outrageous‘ by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor and the 18-year-old certainly looks to have a big future ahead of him at Anfield.
However, his campaign was frustratingly curtailed by injury last term. And although Danns was fit enough to begin pre-season training under Slot, journalist James Pearce says that he has now picked up another knock.
“Jayden Danns not involved today [Friday] due to a minor injury,” Pearce reported on X after the game.
Jayden Danns not involved today due to a minor injury.
Any other injury worries for Liverpool?
Liverpool had a torrid time with injuries at various points of Jurgen Klopp’s reign. There is hope that new head of conditioning Ruben Peeters can help to sort that out.
In the meantime, it’s instructive to take a look at Friday’s game against Preston to see whether the Reds have any problems heading into the tour of the States.
One thing that might jump out at supporters is that Dominik Szoboszlai started the match but was taken off after 33 minutes. At the moment there has been no suggestion that Szoboszlai is injured.
“The most important thing is that everyone was fit before the game and they stayed fit during the game as well,” Slot told LFCTV after the match.
With Szoboszlai only joining training on Tuesday, his load was likely simply being managed. The same with Wataru Endo who played 42 minutes either side of half-time. Liverpool look to have a clean bill of health bar Danns.
