Liverpool will be without Danny Ward and Harry Wilson when they continue their preparations for the new season away to Bury this afternoon.
The Reds are looking for their third win in pre-season having so far recorded respective 7-0 and 3-2 victories against Chester and Tranmere Rovers.
Wilson was a standout figure in the first as he notched two expertly-taken goals to continue his fine form upon his return from a superb loan spell with Hull City.
As for Ward, his absence arrives after it was reported he would be handed an opportunity to stake his claim for the no.1 spot ahead of Loris Karius.
The 25-year-old will instead take part in a session at Melwood in view of playing against Blackburn Rovers on Thursday, reports Liverpoolfc.com.
.@VirgilvDijk and Joel Matip will make their first #LFCPreSeason starts today: https://t.co/v5GAY7u8xE#LFC line-up to face @buryfcofficial… pic.twitter.com/opEDk3dOUJ
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Wilson has been strongly tipped to leave on loan against this summer, although Jurgen Klopp is evidently in no rush to ship him out as he continues to monitor his progress closely.
The Welshman was recently rewarded with a new long-term deal at the club, just months after signing an extension prior to his Hull switch.
With no known injury problems, it may be that Wilson’s omission is linked to a potential departure amid wide-spread interest from a number of Championship clubs and Steven Gerrard’s Rangers.
Karius is now expected to play 90 minutes as he looks to restore some confidence on the back of his torrid Champions League final against Real Madrid.
The German’s comeback trail hit a cruel stumbling block last time out when he fumbled a free-kick into the path of eventual Tranmere scorer Jonny Smith.
On a positive note, Joel Matip returns for his first pre-season appearance having been sidelined with a thigh injury since Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on the final day of March.
He starts alongside Virgil van Dijk, who is also making his pre-season bow after being granted an extended break at the end of the season.