Liverpool FC signed Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo in midweek, in a summer transfer window addition that was pretty surprising to many observers. However, Araujo really does slot in at a position of need, and he should be in line to make his Reds debut on Sunday against Como.
Another summer addition in line to make his debut, albeit much later than was initially expected, is Jeremy Jacquet.
Final Preseason Friendly FYIs
Liverpool vs Como Doubleheader
Public Exhibition at Anfield: Sunday Aug. 16th, 6pm UK kickoff
Behind Closed Doors at Liverpool Training Centre: Sunday Aug. 16th kickoff 11:30am
Liverpool Preview Material: Team News Predicted XI
Liverpool Team News
He is healed up from the shoulder injury he was dealing with, and the French defender is finally ready to go now.
Elsewhere Curtis Jones continues to be linked with a move away, with the latest rumors connecting him to Inter Milan, so if a deal is getting close to being finalized, he could miss this one for reasons connected to that.
Fitness wise, he missed the loss to AS Monaco with a hip issue, but he is back in full training now. Moving on, Stefan Bajcetic and Giovanni Leoni continue training, but not fully with the rest of the group yet.
So while their returns are definitely getting closer, both are doubtful to feature on Sunday. Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike will still be sidelined for awhile yet.
And then finally, Joe Gomez, who suffered a muscular injury during the preseason opener in Nashville, remains out until a week or two into the regular season.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.