Liverpool announced their squad for the two games in the Premier League Asia Trophy this week (Goal.com). The 25-man strong squad has some known names, some potential talents from the academy and very few surprises.
Jurgen Klopp will take his squad to Hong Kong which will be followed by a clash with fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace on Wednesday. They will then wrap up their preparations with a clash against either Leicester City or West Bromwich Albion next Saturday.
The Reds secured Champions League qualification for the coming season and will hope to be in the mix for Premier League title. The side has already played a couple of friendlies against Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic as they build fitness and form ahead of the bigger challenges.
The two friendlies in Hong Kong are affiliated to the Premier League which is why Klopp could only choose 25 players. The club may take as many as they want in training but limit the number of players to feature.
Youngster Ryan Kent who has impressed with his performances as a winger joins the squad. Another young sensation Sheyi Ojo misses out on selection with the player expected to join Middlesbrough on loan.
Another big name missing from the squad is Sadio Mane. The Senegal forward is recovering from injury and will continue his recovery from injury away from the action.
Among those staying at the Merseyside are Lazar Markovic, Pedro Chirivella and Mamadou Sakho. The three players are expected to leave the club permanently this summer and this move of leaving them out of pre-season friendlies almost confirms that.
The Asia Trophy will include four sides Crystal Palace, West Brom, Leicester City and Liverpool with the result of first match deciding whether the Reds will play the final or the third-place play-off.
After their Hong Kong trip, Klopp will take his side to Berlin to mark both club’s 125th anniversaries as they play Hertha BSC. They would then head to Munich to take part in the Audi Cup along with Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Bayern Munich. They then round off their pre-season preparations with a trip to Dublin to take on Athletic Club.
Goalkeepers: Karius, Ward, Mignolet
Defenders: Clyne, Lovren, Milner, Gomez, Klavan, Matip, Moreno, Flanagan, Alexander-Arnold
Midfielders: Wijnaldum, Henderson, Grujic, Lallana, Stewart, Coutinho
Forwards: Firmino, Salah, Sturridge, Origi, Solanke, Kent, Woodburn.
