Liverpool has omitted Ben Doak from the squad to face Yokohama FM in a preseason clash in Japan.

Still only 19, Doak played a role off the bench in the most recent friendly against Milan.



With an unclear route to first-team minutes for Doak, you can see why Richard Hughes and Arne Slot would be prepeared to consider a sale at the right price.

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But while that may be getting mulled over in the corridors of power, it is not why Doak has been sidelined against Yokohama FM.

According to This is Anfield, Doak has run into visa issues, and was unable to get clearance to play in the friendly in Japan.

It's a shame for Doak, who has been impressing internal and external observers so far in preseason.

Having proved himself in the second tier, a temporary switch to a Premier League side would be a useful litmus test of Doak's current level and future potential.

While the immediate route to minutes may look complicated, Liverpool may yet feel that Doak has a first-team role to play.

If nothing else, the way should be clear for Doak to feature once again in the next friendly, with Liverpool back at Anfield on August 4