6 days ago
45
Liverpool announced its 29-man squad on Sunday which will fly to Asia for pre-season friendlies against AC Milan and Yokohama.
The regular names such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson were all involved, plus summer signings Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. But there were three notable absences.
There are conflicting reports on why Federico Chiesa missed out on the squad, with some suggestions of an injury and others reports stating it is due to his uncertain transfer future. Meanwhile, James McConnell was another a surprise omission, although reports have since indicated he has suffered a minor injury.
Jayden Danns also wasn’t named by the Reds, despite the striker returning from injury and was pictured back in training last week.
The striker, who has played nine times for Liverpool and scored three goals, suffered an injury impacted 2024/25 season. A January loan to Sunderland proved unsuccessful, with Danns failing to play a single minute for the Black Cats in their promotion push.
A stress fracture in his back was discovered when the 19-year-old completed his Sunderland medical and Danns predominantly remained at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre to complete his rehabilitation.
Liverpool.com understands that scans this summer have shown the player has recovered, but there is understandable caution so as not to cause any relapses.
Hence Liverpool’s decision to omit Danns from the squad that flew to Hong Kong on Sunday, with concerns surrounding the physical demands of travelling. The academy graduate will continue his training in Kirkby over the next two weeks and will look to increase his workload as he begins preparations for the new season.
A source told Liverpool.com that Danns is “capable of playing tomorrow” if needed, but Liverpool is taking a cautious approach to his return, with the decision explained to the player in a meeting last week.
It’s likely the youngster could play some part in the double-headed fixture Liverpool plays against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on August 4.
Danns managed just seven appearances across various age groups for Liverpool last season due to his injury woes, and was handed just three starts. He did score in the FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley in January after coming off the bench in the 4-0 win.
The teenager also played 14 minutes in the 4-1 Premier League win over Ipswich Town on January 25.
Arne Slot namechecked Danns when listing his striker options in January, before a decision was made to send him on loan to Sunderland.
English (US) ·