Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale comes under heavy clouds following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

The Reds delayed the start of their pre-season to grieve privately, and now take a quiet step back into action.

Will Florian Wirtz make Liverpool debut vs Preston North End? Latest after £116m record transfer	Who could play for Liverpool against Preston North End as pre-season begins	How Liverpool could lineup in first pre-season game against Preston North end

This match, originally planned as a light pre-season opener, has taken on a far deeper meaning.

But as one chapter closes, another begins — with fresh faces ready to make their mark.

One name fans will be watching closely is Florian Wirtz, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in a record-breaking move.

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According to reports from Liverpool Echo, Wirtz is set to feature in the match along with fellow new signings Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

This would be Wirtz’s first chance to show why Liverpool spent big to bring him in.

While Wirtz might not be expected to light up Deepdale in his first appearance, supporters are eager to get a glimpse of what the German playmaker offers under new boss Arne Slot.

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” will be played before kick-off in what promises to be a deeply emotional return.

So yes, Wirtz may debut — but the moment will be bigger than any player.

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