Liverpool XI vs AC Milan: Ekitike debut, predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for friendly today | OneFootball

New striker could be set for first outing

Liverpool’s latest big-money signing Hugo Ekitike is in line to make his debut today as the Premier League champions take on AC Milan in Hong Kong.

This meeting isn’t quite as high-profile, nor are the stakes anywhere near as high, but there are sure to be some star names on show.

Arne Slot has spent big this summer, splashing well over £200million already as he looks to send a powerful message to the rest of the Premier League and Europe.

Florian Wirtz has arrived for over £100million, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have followed him through the Anfield entrance as new full-backs to provide competition to Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley, while home favourite Trent Alexander-Arnold departed for Real Madrid earlier in the window.

Now, Liverpool fans have another name to get excited about, with Ekitike fresh from his initial £68million move from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The French striker has joined his new team-mates in Asia and could be set for his first appearance for the club.

The Reds named a 29-strong squad for their Asian campaign, and first-choice goalkeeper Alisson could be in line for his first start of pre-season after new deputy Giorgi Mamardashvili started both their friendly matches so far - in the 3-1 win over Preston and the 5-0 victory against Stoke behind closed doors.

Luis Diaz, who wants to leave Anfield, could also make an appearance.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo.

Time and date: 12.30pm BST, Saturday July 26

Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong