Liverpool players begin return to pre-season

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Home LFC News Liverpool's players have begun the preparations for pre-season with a phased return to training today. The players were initially due to return at the weekend but the tragedy of Diogo Jota's death meant that many of the squad and staff were in attendance at his funeral on Saturday in Portugal.

Liverpool's chaplain is believed to be on hand to assist any of the returning players in what is likely to be an extremely sombre atmosphere in the upcoming days. Liverpool are due to play their first pre-season friendly away at Preston on Sunday.

No decision has yet been made on whether this fixture will go ahead and it is understood that discussions with the players today could have a major influence on that. Preston are still prepared for the match to go ahead but have said the decision rests with the Liverpool squad.