Liverpool’s team which starts the Premier League campaign in a month’s time could look very different to the one which rocked up to Preston on Sunday.

The Reds brought 25 players with them to Deepdale for their first pre-season friendly of the summer.

Big hitters such as Florian Wirtz, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker were left out, with chances given to some fringe and young Liverpool players instead.

On display were a number of players who have been strongly rumoured to be heading for the Anfield exit door this summer.

Liverpool made another brilliant gesture to Diogo Jota on Friday which fans may have missed - opinion	Crystal Palace just dropped Marc Guehi hint as Liverpool transfer stance clear	Liverpool may miss out on £51m ace this summer as new development throws spanner in the works - opinion

Darwin Nunez is in talks over a move to Napoli, while there remains an expectation that Federico Chiesa will leave as well.

Another player strongly tipped to depart is Kostas Tsimikas, who has seen Milos Kerkez arrive as Liverpool’s new first choice left-back.

With Andy Robertson still featuring in Arne Slot’s plans, it had been predicted that Tsimikas was likely to leave.

The Hungarian is likely to be Slot’s first pick at left-back next season.

With Robertson still having plenty to offer as well, there is not a great deal of need for Tsimikas to remain.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

However, Slot used Robertson at centre-back on Sunday, hinting at the prospect of a utility role for the Scot moving forward.

This could, in theory, leave room for Tsimikas to deputise for Kerkez.

And after the 29-year-old posted on Instagram following Sunday’s match, there is a chance this plan could come to fruition.

View this post on Instagram

READ MORE: How confident West Ham are of signing Harvey Elliott as Hammers line up double Liverpool raid

“Szn 6 ep 1,” Tsimikas captioned his update, referring to the first game of his sixth season at the club.

Although this is clearly not a definitive statement that the Greece international is here to stay, that he is already counting his sixth season is encouraging in that respect.

If Tsimikas is happy to stay as a second and occasional third choice left-back next season, then Liverpool should not be in a rush to get him out the door.

SeasonAppearancesGoalsAssists2020/217002021/2226062022/2328062023/2425042024/252902Kostas Tsimikas at Liverpool

The No.

21 has been an occasionally ‘brilliant’ performer across his five years with the club and has shown that he can be relied upon to step in when needed.

With Kerkez still young himself, it could be no bad thing to have two experienced internationals for him to learn from.

The transfer fee Liverpool could bank for a 29-year-old Tsimikas would also likely not be anything to write home about.

Finally, in the wake of Diogo Jota’s tragic death, it is important to keep the core of the squad together.

Tsimikas is a hugely popular member of the team, and his continued presence will no doubt be a comfort to the group as they mourn the loss of a friend and colleague.
For more news relating to West Ham, visit our sister site WHU Latest Live.