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Liverpool’s pre-season preparations will commence on Tuesday (July 8) after the club made the difficult decision to postpone their initial return date.

Originally, some players were scheduled to report to the AXA Training Centre on Friday, July 5, with a larger group expected on Monday, July 7.

However, following Diogo Jota’s tragic passing, the club granted players additional time to grieve and attend the funeral in Portugal.

The delayed start comes as the entire Liverpool family struggles to process the loss of their beloved teammate.

Liverpool’s first scheduled pre-season friendly against Preston North End on Sunday, July 13, hangs in the balance.

The club will consult with players and staff upon their return to determine whether they feel mentally and emotionally prepared to take the field, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Preston North End are reportedly “following Liverpool’s lead” on the decision and have prepared tributes to honor Jota should the match proceed.

The Championship side understands the delicate nature of the situation and will respect whatever decision Liverpool makes.

Despite the tragedy, Liverpool’s pre-season commitments remain extensive, with the club facing challenging decisions about their tour obligations.

On July 26, they open against AC Milan at Hong Kong’s new Kai Tak Stadium, competing for the Standard Chartered Trophy in front of a packed crowd.

Four days later, Liverpool makes their inaugural summer appearance in Japan against Yokohama F?

Marinos at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.

The programme culminates back at Anfield, where Liverpool will host Athletic Bilbao in a unique double-header on August 4, allowing supporters to see the squad in both a 5 pm and an 8 pm fixture

The tragedy has demonstrated the strength of the Liverpool family, with players, staff, and officials traveling to Portugal to attend Jota’s funeral on Saturday.

The sight of captain Virgil van Dijk carrying a red floral tribute shaped like a football shirt with Jota’s number 20, and Andrew Robertson with a similar tribute featuring number 30 for Andre Silva, was difficult to see.

As Liverpool prepares to return to training, the focus shifts from tactical preparations to emotional healing.

Arne Slot faces the unprecedented challenge of balancing the need for pre-season preparation with compassion and sensitivity for his grieving squad.

Read More: Two Liverpool players to miss start of pre-season

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