4 things to look out for in Liverpool vs Yokohama FM including new Darwin Nunez hint

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Liverpool closes out its tour of Asia today as it takes on Yokohama F Marinos, with the Reds aiming to bounce back somewhat after the defeat to AC Milan at the weekend.

With just over a couple of weeks to go until the new Premier League season gets underway, and Arne Slot's side of course looking to defend their title, Liverpool will be looking to send a few messages to its rivals between now and August 15.

The Reds will be without Luis Diaz as he closes in on completing his move to Bayern Munich, with the winger expected to be unveiled in Germany later today. Alisson Becker will also be missing, with the goalkeeper having left the tour early due to personal reasons.

There are still plenty of players to be looking out for later though, with one in particular set to offer another hint over his future, while another will be keen to make amends following Saturday's defeat to Milan. Here are a few things to keep an eye on in today's game against Yokohama...

Ekitike debut

Liverpool fans should get their first glimpse of Hugo Ekitike in action in red today as the latest addition to Slot's squad makes his first appearance for the club.

Having been in training since arriving in Hong Kong last week, the Frenchman will have hopefully built up a good understanding with his new teammates in time to face Yokohama.

Hugo Ekitike should make his first appearance for Liverpool today

Hugo Ekitike should make his first appearance for Liverpool today

It's likely we'll get a look at him in the No.9 position, especially now with Diaz gone, further reducing the options to lead the line. There should be no pressure on him, although a goal or two would certainly go down well after his big money move from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Nunez hint

With Diaz set to be unveiled as a Bayern player at some point today, Darwin Nunez will be seen by many as the next potential departure from Slot's squad.

The Uruguayan has been linked with an exit for some time now, although a move to Napoli seems to be off the table now after it looked to have been a distinct possibility.

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The fact that the striker has appeared twice for Liverpool already this summer might suggest a future away from Anfield isn't quite the sure thing everyone assumed it would be, although today might provide another clearer hint.

Having missed the AC Milan game through injury, will Nunez be back in the side today? If he is, the door to him staying at Liverpool might yet be open.

Mamardashvili's chance

Giorgi Mamardashvili didn't quite cover himself in glory at the end of Saturday's game against Milan. Having just seen Cody Gakpo pull a goal back to make it 3-2, the goalkeeper almost immediately restored the Italian side's two-goal advantage after a horrendous mix-up with Kostas Tsimikas.

Giorgi Mamardashvili will be looking to make amends after his mix-up against AC Milan

Giorgi Mamardashvili will be looking to make amends after his mix-up against AC Milan

The Greek should take some of the blame as well, although considering he could find himself on the move this summer, there certainly won't be as many supporters concerned about his performances as they will be with Mamardashvili's.

The Georgia international will get the chance to redeem himself today, given he is almost guaranteed to play at least 45 minutes in Alisson's absence. Hopefully it's a more assured performance this time.

Salah off the mark?

It feels strange to think that Liverpool has played three games so far this summer, scored 10 goals in the process, and none of them have come via Mohamed Salah.

You could look at that two ways - it's a good sign that other players are chipping in with goals, or it's a little perplexing that the Reds' main goal-getter has had a quiet summer so far.

At the end of the day, all that really matters during pre-season is players building up their fitness, and goals are just an added bonus. Knowing Salah though, he won't want to go too long without getting on the scoresheet, even if it is a friendly.

Today might be the ideal time for him break his duck, and set the tone for what will hopefully be another sensational season for the Egyptian king.

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