Liverpool faced Athletic Bilbao in a double-header at Anfield on Monday night as they closed out their pre-season friendly schedule.

The Reds have another match before the start of the Premier League season as they take on Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday,

But in terms of the games which technically mean nothing, Monday was the end of the road for Liverpool.

As he did during a similar arrangement at Anfield last summer, Arne Slot used the occasion to give a run out to near-enough his full Liverpool squad and some youngsters besides.

Bruno Guimaraes and Cristian Romero embroiled in violent exchange during friendly clash	£50m Liverpool player may have just moved closer to the Anfield exit door after friendly heartbreak - opinion	Why are Liverpool playing two matches at Anfield tonight? Everything we know

However, unlike last year, both games on Monday evening were open to Liverpool fans, and Slot ensured the first of the evening took on lesser importance by naming a hugely weakened side.

But for four senior Liverpool players named in the makeshift line-up, the Liverpool head coach sent out a message which they may not like.

Photo by Hiroki Watanabe/Getty Images

Ahead of the match it had not been known which of the line-ups would be the strongest.

But once the XI was announced for the 5pm kick-off, it immediately became clear.

With the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and other big names missing, this was clearly the B-team.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

There were some bigger names in there, but Alexis Mac Allister gets a pass as he’s still recovering from injury, while Darwin Nunez is expected to leave, explaining his involvement.

Meanwhile, the four other senior names on the teamsheet were Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.

READ MORE: Alisson Becker shares new post after leaving Liverpool tour as plan revealed for return

Although it is always a privilege to play at Anfield, it will no doubt have stung each of the four players to clearly be shunted into the weaker team.

Slot’s selection sent a clear message: that this quartet are clear back-ups in his squad.

That has got to hurt.

For each of these four players, the feeling will be different.

All will aim to be part of Slot’s strongest team and will feel that they have what it takes to be there.

However, Tsimikas has always been a second choice at Liverpool, and must surely know his position in the squad by now.

This snub may not affect him like the others.

Elliott is another who has become used to playing second fiddle under Slot and perhaps the 22-year-old is the most likely to grasp his opportunity for minutes at Anfield.

Robertson will no doubt be stinging a little, but the arrival of Milos Kerkez has very much demoted him ahead of next season.

The Scouser believes he should be part of the best Liverpool XI and that he is playing in this second string may be a tough one for him to take.