Seven Liverpool stars could miss first game of the season as fixtures announced
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The start of the Premier League campaign has been pushed back to the weekend of Saturday, August 22, ensuring a month’s gap between the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.New boss Andoni Iraola will hope to start his reign with a victory after replacing Arne Slot in the dugout. However, the Spanish coach may be forced to rest players for the opening game if members of his squad reach the World Cup final, which would likely lead to an extended holiday and a shorter pre-season following their success at international level.The Netherlands reaching the World Cup final would have the greatest potential impact on Iraola’s side, as their squad includes three Liverpool players.
Virgil van Dijk is among the Liverpool contingent and the captain has already made his mark on the tournament by scoring against Japan in his country’s opening game.Fellow Reds Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo started the draw with Japan and are key players in Ronald Koeman’s team, who are also competing with Sweden and Tunisia in Group F. All three Liverpool players will be heavily relied upon if the Netherlands do go all the way, which could result in the trio being gradually eased into the new Premier League season.Florian Wirtz is part of the Germany squad striving for a fifth World Cup win.
The Liverpool attacker provided the assist for his side’s opening goal in their 7-1 victory over Curacao as Julian Nagelsmann’s side look to advance from a group that also contains Ivory Coast and Ecuador.Alexis Mac Allister will hope he can be part of another World Cup triumph with Argentina. While Sweden reaching the final is unlikely, the striker’s disjointed start to his Liverpool career last year emphasises how match fitness can be impacted during the summer break.Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just £3.50 by clicking hereEngland's 2026 World Cup kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.