Liverpool’s pre-season tour has taken them to Hong Kong, where they face Italian giants AC Milan in what is widely seen as the standout fixture of their summer preparations.

After confident wins over Preston and Stoke, Arne Slot’s side is entering this clash with growing momentum, blending competitive edge with tactical fine-tuning as the Premier League season draws closer.

The atmosphere in Hong Kong has been electric, with fans eager to see the team’s new signings and emerging talents in action.

Slot has continued his policy of heavy squad rotation, using these matches to evaluate a range of options—from youth prospects to senior players looking to reassert their place.

James Pearce explains whether Wataru Endo's absence from the Liverpool squad today was transfer related	Liverpool latest: Diaz and Nunez absent from squad to face AC Milan	Wataru Endo has already achieved what he hoped to at Liverpool after touching Ibrahima Konate moment - opinion

Tonight’s lineup is once again a mix of experience and experimentation.

With Szoboszlai pulling the strings in midfield and Salah leading the attack, Liverpool are expected to test Milan’s resilience.

However, some familiar names are missing.

Luis Díaz and Darwin Nunez, despite training in Hong Kong, have been left out of the squad amid swirling transfer rumours.

One absence that raised eyebrows is that of Wataru Endo.

The midfielder was spotted with the team earlier in the tour and participated in initial training sessions.

However, according to a report, Endo is not available for selection due to illness.

He joined the squad on Thursday but fell unwell shortly after arrival and has since been ruled out of the Milan clash.

His absence is not related to injury or transfers, and the club expects him to recover soon.

While his role last season was limited—largely coming off the bench—this pre-season had offered a chance for him to push for a more prominent place.

Unfortunately, illness has come at the wrong time, denying him that opportunity tonight.

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