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Liverpool’s long-awaited return to pre-season carries an air of solemnity after the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva.

The Reds reconvene at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday (July 8) following a weekend in Gondomar, where the majority of the squad paid their final respects at the brothers’ funeral on Saturday (July 5).

Arne Slot’s side was granted extra days off to process the loss of their teammate.

Hundreds gathered in the small Portuguese town as Liverpool’s delegation – led by captain Virgil van Dijk – joined family, friends and Portuguese dignitaries to honour the 28-year-old forward and his brother.

The Liverpool Echo has reported that both players and staff will meet on Tuesday to decide whether to proceed with Sunday’s scheduled friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale.

Although no formal cancellation has been announced, it’s reported that the final call rests with the squad’s collective readiness, with Preston planning tributes should the match go ahead.

Liverpool’s pre-season schedule remains packed and demanding even in the wake of recent heartbreak.

The Reds are set to kick off their summer tour on July 26 with a high-profile clash against AC Milan at Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium, where they’ll vie for the Standard Chartered Trophy before a capacity crowd.

Just four days later, Liverpool will mark their first-ever summer fixture in Japan, taking on Yokohama F?

Marinos at the iconic Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.

The action then shifts back to Anfield, where supporters will be treated to a special double-header against Athletic Bilbao on August 4.

This unique occasion offers fans the rare opportunity to watch the squad compete in both a 5 pm and an 8 pm match, rounding off the club’s pre-season preparations with a flourish.

Meanwhile, LFCTV have announced that they will be airing a tribute for the late Liverpool man titled “Remembering Diogo: Our Number 20?.

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