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Football

06th Jul 2018

New Liverpool duo set to make their club debuts in pre-season friendly

Klopp looks to test out his new midfielders

Jack O'Toole

New Liverpool signings Naby Keita and Fabinho are in line to make their Liverpool debuts in Saturday’s pre-season friendly with Chester FC.

Liverpool will open their pre-season campaign this weekend as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to test out his new midfielders while also welcoming Loris Karius back into the fold following his humiliation in the Champions League final loss to Real Madrid in May.

Klopp insists that he does not want to waste any time with either Keita or Fabinho and that he has been impressed by what he has seen from both players during pre-season.

“We still have two or three sessions until we play; unfortunately in football a lot of things can happen,” Klopp told the club’s official website.

“But if nothing happens then they will play of course. We don’t want to waste time. They are in, it’s good. It’s our first pre-season game so let’s start.

“If they’ll start, I don’t know, to be honest. I haven’t made the line-up so far, I have to see who is available. But, yes, they will be involved for sure.”

The German was less optimistic about the chances of pre-season debuts for midfielder Adam Lallana and Joel Matip who both looks to start the season strongly after injury ravaged seasons last term.

“I think it’s a bit too early for Joel,” added Klopp.

“He is in training, not doing all but in a few parts he’s doing more than the others. He’s not involved in football at the moment but from next week on he will be fully involved.

“That’s it, pretty much. On Sunday, Gini and Virgil are coming back and then they’ll start their pre-season.

“Adam Lallana will not be involved possibly, not sure. He’s a little bit ill, we have to see. I think Saturday will not be possible for him.”