Liverpool's New Era: Araujo and Jones Back in Training
Liverpool’s new era under Andoni Iraola edged closer to reality at the AXA Training Centre, where a near-full squad stepped up preparations for a season that now sits just 11 days away.
The tempo has changed. So has the cast.
Araujo steps straight in
All eyes went first to Ronald Araujo.
Liverpool’s new centre-back, fresh from Barcelona, cut an assured figure as he joined the main group. Because he has already come through pre-season work with the Catalan club, he arrived in Kirkby with a sharpness most new signings lack.
He didn’t look like a player easing his way in. He looked ready to play.
Iraola is expected to give the Uruguayan his first taste of Liverpool action in one of the two remaining friendlies against Como at Anfield on Sunday, likely alongside Virgil van Dijk. If that partnership clicks quickly, Araujo has every chance of starting the Premier League opener at St James’ Park.
New surroundings, yes. New level of responsibility, not really. At 25 and with top-level experience, Araujo has been brought in to adapt fast, not to wait his turn.
Defensive reinforcements stir
Araujo wasn’t the only defender offering encouragement.
Jeremy Jacquet, who has yet to feature in any pre-season fixture, was back out on the grass and involved with the group. Iraola suggested last weekend that the Frenchman could be ready to play against Como; this session backed that up. After going close to a return on the US tour, he finally looks on the verge of competitive minutes.
Not everyone is there yet.
Giovanni Leoni and Stefan Bajcetic watched on from exercise bikes at the side of the pitch, still working through their own recovery programs. Both remain some weeks away from a full return, a reminder that Iraola’s “full” squad still has important absentees.
Curtis Jones back in the mix
In midfield, Curtis Jones rejoined the action after missing the defeat to AS Monaco at Anfield with a minor issue.
His presence is significant on two fronts. On the pitch, it gives Iraola another established option for the final friendlies and the trip to Newcastle. Off it, his future remains a live storyline.
Inter Milan retain an interest in the 25-year-old, but the Serie A club has yet to submit an offer Liverpool consider acceptable. Iraola has already been clear: he wants Jones to stay. The complication is time. Jones’ contract runs out next summer, and the clock on that deal is ticking loudly now.
For the moment, though, he is back in full training and in contention for minutes against Como.
Iraola’s crucial window
The session also brought another quiet boost: Alexis Mac Allister is back from his post-World Cup holiday, giving Iraola close to a complete senior group to drill on the training pitch.
There is still work to do in the transfer market and Liverpool are not alone in that. Across the league, squads look unfinished and even Manchester City are adjusting to a change in the dugout.
For Iraola, these next two weeks are about imprinting his ideas before the schedule turns brutal. The early part of the campaign offers something rare at this level: full training weeks. Once the first international break passes, two-game weeks will become the norm.
By then, Liverpool will know whether Araujo has settled, whether Jacquet has truly returned, and whether Jones is still wearing red.
The countdown to Newcastle has started. The real judgments begin at St James’ Park.
