Andoni Iraola could face Liverpool wait with pre-season plan to become clear
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Liverpool has a number of players representing their countries at the World Cup, and their success in the tournament is likely to delay their return to training under Andoni IraolaAndoni Iraola after Bournemouth 1-1 Aston Villa in the Premier League.(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)Andoni Iraola may well find himself waiting a little longer to work with his complete Liverpool squad, owing to the success of several players at the World Cup.The Reds entered the tournament with eight representatives, and although Wataru Endo subsequently withdrew from the Japan squad through injury, their numbers were bolstered once more following last week's signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna, after Liverpool triggered his $46 million (£35 million) release clause.There is every possibility that all remaining representatives will advance to the knockout stages of the competition, further postponing their return to Liverpool for pre-season preparations.Iraola's squad is anticipated to assemble around July 13 to commence preparations for the forthcoming campaign, which kicks off with a Premier League fixture away at Newcastle United on Sunday, August 23.In recent years, Liverpool has adopted a policy of granting players three weeks' rest following the conclusion of their involvement in a summer international tournament with their respective nations.With the World Cup group stages drawing to a close this weekend, players would have missed at the very least the anticipated opening week of pre-season training at a minimum, before returning in time to join the club's tour to the United States next month.Andoni Iraola during a Bournemouth training session.(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)However, there is a strong possibility that all eight — Spain's Munoz, Brazil's Alisson Becker, Dutch trio Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk, Sweden's Alexander Isak, Germany's Florian Wirtz and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister — could feature in next week's round of 32.If that is the case, they will consequently all risk missing the three-match US tour, which kicks off with a friendly against Sunderland on July 25.Isak is the only Liverpool player facing genuine threat of group stage elimination, but even a narrow defeat for Sweden against Japan in the early hours of Friday morning might be enough for them to advance as a third-placed team.The World Cup round of 16 commences on Saturday, July 4, making it highly improbable that any Liverpool players who advance to the latter stages will participate in the US tour.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Given that several of the nations with which Reds players are involved are expected to reach the last four, it means it may not be until Liverpool returns from the United States in early August that Iraola finally gets an opportunity to work with his full new squad.Liverpool.com says: While the summer will be vital for Iraola to get to know his new players, for some stars, the World Cup can only be a good thing.For Isak and Mac Allister, for example, fitness and confidence will be importance.
In the case of the Swede, especially, he needs games above all else. He should get at least another couple of them.