Manager sets out return dates as Reds prepare for final US friendly and Anfield run-up
Andoni Iraola has provided clarity on when three key players will rejoin Liverpool as the squad completes its United States tour and prepares for the run of pre-season fixtures at Anfield.
The manager confirmed that new signing Victor Munoz, goalkeeper Alisson Becker and midfielder Alexis Mac Allister have scheduled returns to the club’s AXA Training Centre in Liverpool at different points over the coming days and weeks.
- Victor Munoz will cut short his break and report to AXA next week.
- Alisson Becker is due to be at the training ground from the first day the squad reconvenes in Liverpool.
- Alexis Mac Allister will remain on a longer break and is expected to return in time for the Monaco friendly.
The timing is significant for both the club and supporters. Munoz, the club’s first signing under Iraola, arrived from La Liga for a fee reported at £34.5million and has already indicated he wants extra time to integrate with his new team-mates rather than taking the full post-tournament leave available to him.
“He comes next week… he wanted also to come a little bit earlier than the three weeks that they have the right to have, because obviously he is coming to a new club, he will need some time to adapt, to meet his teammates.”
Iraola's update confirms the club will have the new winger available ahead of the Anfield friendlies against Monaco and Como, scheduled after the tour’s final match in Chicago against Leeds United.
On the goalkeeper and the Argentine World Cup finalist, the manager was equally straightforward. Alisson will join the squad at the very start of the training period in Liverpool, while Mac Allister has been granted an extended break following a long season and deep run in the World Cup.
| Player | Return timing (as described by Iraola) |
|---|---|
| Victor Munoz | Next week (cuts short holiday) |
| Alisson Becker | From the first day at AXA |
| Alexis Mac Allister | Will stay away until the Monaco game (extended rest) |
For Liverpool supporters, the staggered returns mean that the manager will have choices to make for the final pre-season fixtures. The club travel to Soldier Field, Chicago, to face Leeds United this weekend before returning to Anfield for matches against Monaco and Como. Those fixtures will be the last opportunities for Iraola to assess squad fitness and integrate new arrivals ahead of the Premier League opener at St James’ Park.
Locally, the early arrival of Munoz will be watched with interest. Bringing a new signing into the training environment sooner than strictly necessary can speed up tactical familiarisation and help supporters form early impressions ahead of competitive matches at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Alisson’s prompt return secures continuity in the goalkeeping ranks for pre-season work. The decision to allow Mac Allister a longer recovery period reflects the club’s acknowledgment of his heavy workload last season and through the World Cup.
As preparations continue, the club’s approach will be judged on how well players return to peak condition and how quickly new recruits adapt to Iraola’s methods. With competitive football set to begin in a matter of weeks, those timelines carry tangible consequences for selection, early-season form and supporters’ expectations.
