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Liverpool returns for its first pre-season game of the summer today in incredibly difficult circumstances. The match at Preston North End will represent the first since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
Arne Slot's side has not played since the final day of the Premier League season against Crystal Palace, but there are now fewer than five weeks to go until the opener at Anfield against Crystal Palace. Before then, the Reds are traveling to Asia to face AC Milan and Yokohama Marinos, and also face Athletic Club and have the Community Shield.
Preparations for the new campaign have long been underway. At the back end of last season, with the Premier League title wrapped up, Slot was able to rotate his side and give some extra rest to key men.
And since then, Liverpool has made some exciting additions to its team. Florian Wirtz is the standout, and he could play his first minutes in a red shirt later today.
So too could fellow signings Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman. Slot is likely to use a large roster of players at Deepdale as everyone is eased back into action.
Stefan Bajcetic is injured while Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton were in international action for England U21s this summer. They are likely to get more time off, though everyone else should be back.
In the UK, the match will be shown live on terrestrial television: on ITV1. This was a decision that was taken before the news about Jota, with the channel taking the chance to show the Premier League champions.
In the US, the game is set to be streamed on the CBS Sports Golazo Network. Coverage will also be available in the build-up to kick-off on both LFCTV and Liverpool's official YouTube channel.
You’ll Never Walk Alone will be played ahead of kick-off as part of the tributes to Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Meanwhile, the hosts are set to lay a wreath near the away supporters.
A minute’s silence will be observed in Jota and Silva’s memory before the game begins, with digital tributes being displayed on screen and across pitchside LEDs. Both sets of players will also wear black armbands.
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Preston has also created a commemorative matchday programme which features written tributes to Jota and Silva. That will be available for free to those who have match tickets.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed by Liverpool that Jota's number 20 jersey will be retired in his honor. In news that was confirmed at 8.20pm UK time — 20.20 — the Reds said the decision was taken after a consultation with Jota's wife, Rute, and the player's family.
"As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters — and we felt exactly the same way," FSG CEO of Football Michael Edwards told the official club website.
"It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention. I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honor has been bestowed upon an individual.
"Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person. By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal — and therefore never to be forgotten. Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore — with honour, distinction and affection — the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20."
English (US) ·