Liverpool manager Iraola evaluates player fitness and squad development following a friendly match against Monaco as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Liverpool manager Iraola is preparing his squad for the Premier League season, which begins in two weeks against Newcastle. Following a friendly match against Monaco, the team has two remaining pre-season games scheduled against Como on 16 August.

Squad fitness and personnel updates

Virgil van Dijk returned to the lineup against Monaco alongside 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe. While Ndukwe is considered a talent, he is expected to go on loan due to work permit issues. The team finished the match with Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo in the centre-back positions. New signing Jeremy Jacquet, 21, has yet to participate in full training following a shoulder injury in February and a recent knee problem. Iraola noted that Jacquet’s recovery is taking longer than expected, though the club is optimistic he may feature against Como.

Performance of key players

Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who were signed for a combined £225m last summer, featured prominently against Monaco. Isak scored the team's first goal, and the pair combined for a second, though it remained unclear which player provided the final touch. Isak expressed satisfaction with the team's current spirit and work ethic as they approach the start of the season.