Jurgen Klopp has offered an update on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez readiness ahead of preseason opener
The Liverpool defensive quartet are expected to be involved in the Reds' first preseason game on Tuesday but Klopp has insisted he has no intention of rushing players who need more time to assess their recovery into the pitch.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is recovering from the thigh injury which ruled him out of Euro 2020.
Van Dijk, Gomez and Matiip are recovering from anterior cruciate ligament, knee and ankle injuries, respectively.
Although all the mentioned injured stars have returned to full training, Klopp is adamant not to field-in Van Dijk and Gomez on Tuesday.
Asked which defenders would be in contention to play in the upcoming games, Klopp said: "It's different [for each of them].
"I think there is absolutely no doubt Joel can play on Tuesday. Trent looks for me like [he can] but I will have to speak to the medical department and they will tell me if it is too early. I don’t think [it is], I think he could play a few minutes on Tuesday.
"Then, Joe and Virgil are in a similar situation – not exactly the same, but similar. Both have done parts of our normal training and then they have to do extra parts.
"What they [Gomez and Van Dijk did in training so far worked really well and we will see when we can involve them in complete normal training – I don't know that and I don't rush it either.
"It makes no sense, we waited so long and now we can wait a few days longer, that’s no problem."