Liverpool’s first fixture since the heartbreaking death of Diogo Jota carries enormous emotional weight.

The club will decide in the coming days whether their scheduled pre-season friendly against Preston North End goes ahead as planned this Sunday.

The Reds are set to return to the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday to begin pre-season preparations after postponing their initial reporting date to give players and staff space to grieve.

Liverpool’s first pre-season game will be shown free to air, pending decision from Reds players	Liverpool latest: Reds' pre-season opener to go ahead	Liverpool's full pre-season fixture schedule as Reds prepare for strange return to training tomorrow

While the squad regroups, Liverpool’s leadership will consult with everyone involved before making any call on fulfilling the fixture.

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ITV 1 has already locked in plans to air the friendly live if Liverpool proceed (via reports by Liverpool Echo).

The timing of the broadcast commitment, which appears in Radio Times listings, reflects preparations made in June and early July rather than any response to recent events.

If the match goes forward, Preston North End are planning tributes in memory of Jota.

The Championship side continue preparations as though the fixture will happen.

Though both clubs have agreed to respect any final decision Liverpool makes.

Fans could see summer signings Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez pull on a Liverpool shirt for the first time if the Reds choose to play.

But for now, the club’s focus remains on honoring a beloved teammate and supporting the squad during an unimaginable moment.

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