Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the Far East is underway with a 29-man squad, but several notable names have been left behind—sparking speculation about injuries, form, and future transfers.

🚨 Federico Chiesa, who found the net during Liverpool’s friendly win over Stoke City, was a surprising omission. The official word points to a minor issue, yet rumors linking the Italian forward with a return to Serie A—possibly to Napoli, Juventus, Roma, or even Atletico Madrid—are gaining momentum.

🛫 Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike is preparing to join the squad in Hong Kong after completing a medical in London. The French striker is on the verge of finalizing a big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt, worth up to £79 million.

📍Liverpool will remain in Asia until the end of July, with friendlies scheduled against AC Milan in Hong Kong on July 26 and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on July 30.

But it’s not just Chiesa who’s missing. Here are other first-team names left out of the tour:


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⚕️ Injury Rehab & Fitness Concerns

Stefan Bajcetic: After a rocky loan spell and a hamstring injury that cut his season short, the Spaniard is still recovering. Real Betis and Valencia are among the interested clubs.

James McConnell: Recovering from a knock, he’s expected to sign a new contract and possibly head out on loan, with interest from Ipswich and Bundesliga sides.

Jayden Danns: Following a long-term back injury, Liverpool have decided to manage his workload at home rather than subject him to the rigors of travel.

Luke Chambers & Calum Scanlon: Both left-backs are recovering from back and hamstring injuries respectively and are continuing rehab at the Academy.



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🔁 Loan Candidates & Transfer Watch

Kaide Gordon: After struggling at Norwich and Portsmouth, he’s regained form with the U21s and could head out on loan again.

Lewis Koumas: Impressed on loan at Stoke and is now being monitored by several Championship clubs for another move.

Owen Beck: Fresh off a strong campaign with Blackburn, he’s close to joining Derby County on loan.

Amara Nallo & Trent Kone-Doherty: Both featured with the U21s in recent friendlies and could gain further experience this season—possibly via loan.

Calvin Ramsay: His Liverpool career has been plagued by setbacks. Despite some pre-season appearances, a permanent move may be on the horizon.

Rhys Williams: After a solid year with Morecambe, the centre-back remains outside the senior team setup.

Isaac Mabaya: Featured in both U21 matches and may remain in the development squad for now.



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👀 Notable Mentions

Kieran Morrison & Tommy Pilling were unused substitutes earlier in pre-season but have been active with the U21s.


As Arne Slot’s Liverpool shapes up for a fresh era, several young and fringe players are either recovering, awaiting loan moves, or bracing for permanent exits. The next few weeks could bring clarity to many of these uncertain futures.

👉 Stay tuned for more updates as Liverpool’s summer business unfolds…