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Liverpool continued their preparations for the 2025/26 season with a pre-season friendly against AC Milan.

The Reds lost 4-2 to the Serie A giants in Hong Kong on Saturday despite some encouraging performances.

Joe Gomez returned to Liverpool from the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, as he is carrying an Achilles injury, while Alisson Becker has also left the Reds’ pre-season training camp in Tokyo to attend to a personal matter.

Speaking after the defeat to AC Milan, head coach Arne Slot dismissed claims that Liverpool are short at the centre-back position as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.

Academy graduate Jarrell Quansah has joined Bayer Leverkusen to pursue first-team football.

Slot said: “I don’t think we have a concern at centre-back?

He did it last season as well.

“Although we all know we favour him as a No.6.

Joe Gomez only has a minor injury, he has been good for us last season as well.

“We have enough options left?

But it’s true that Jarell Quansah left and we haven’t replaced him yet.”

Forward Luis Diaz was missing from the squad as he is set to join Bayern Munich in a deal worth £65.5million.

Liverpool have been very busy this summer and could make at least two more signings before the window shuts.

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak continues to be linked with the 25-year-old, reportedly telling his club that he wants to leave.

Olympique Lyonnais youngster Malick Fofana is being heavily linked with a move to Anfield.

Fofana has been identified as a possible replacement for Diaz.

The 20-year-old, who is prioritising a move to a UEFA Champions League side, has suffered an injury blow.

He sustained a hit to the head during Monday’s training session, according to RMC Sport.

He is expected to be sidelined for the next 10 days and will miss Lyon’s next two friendlies against Mallorca and Bayern Munich.

Fofana could return for his side’s first game of the Ligue 1 season, against RC Lens on August 16.

Read more: When Luis Diaz will be unveiled as a Bayern Munich player

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