The lactate test will take place right after the first wave of Liverpool stars arrive for preseason. From the looks of the photographs he’s been sharing on social media this week, the Reds captain appears eager to leave.

There will be a lot of others. After a season for which Mohamed Salah recognized there was “no excuse,” Liverpool needs to quickly get back on track and ensure that anything similar does not occur again.

Nevertheless, positive actions have already been implemented. The midfield for Liverpool changes dramatically the moment Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis MacAllister walk into the room.

Before his players reported for preseason, Jürgen Klopp wanted modifications made, and they have already begun. There could possibly be additional transfers.

Before the Reds’ mid-August Premier League start against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, his coaching staff has 36 days to put the plans into action.

As the countdown to the 2023–24 season gets closer, these are the four things Liverpool.com believes will ‘definitely’ happen in the approaching month.

Fresh talent is impressive

There are usually many outstanding talents there, even if it is unknown which young players will fly to Germany and Singapore for preseason with the senior team.

Kaide Gordon is likely to return after spending nearly 18 months on the sidelines, but he is not slated to travel with the first squad. The Athletic was informed by Academy director Alex Inglethorpe last month that Gordon will continue to train with the U21s in order to advance his physical health and mental capacity.

However, individuals like Ben Doak, Bobby Clark, and Luke Chambers are among those to watch out for. Doak may have a bigger part in the senior team next season, while Clark and Chambers will probably need to make decisions about loan transfers.

That thing is certain: there is always at least one young genius who draws attention.

New signings are made

Even if Mac Allister and Szoboszlai have joined Klopp’s team, more should be on the way. Although a left-sided center-back is desired, Liverpool may still sign a second midfielder.

There may also be additional expenses. Nat Phillips will probably continue looking for a venue to play regularly, and Sepp van den Berg will also need to make a decision.

There are a number of loan decisions to be made as well, although these usually take place later in the window, once preseason is well on or even over. Between now and then, there is plenty of time to decide whether to move and where to go.

A timely reminder

A forward from Uruguay named Darwin Nunez will be among the players present on the first day of preseason. It appears like the 24-year-old needs a great summer as he continues to adjust to life as a Reds player. Although he had a successful rookie season, he hopes to surpass his 15 goals from the prior year.

Others must also show improvement and development. Fabinho wants to demonstrate that he is still in fantastic shape after having a difficult season the previous year. Despite not being at his best, Virgil van Dijk might have benefited from the summer break.

Darwin Nunez and Jürgen Klopp will reunite soon during Liverpool’s preseason.

Darwin Nunez and Jürgen Klopp will rejoin for Liverpool’s preseason soon. (Image via Getty Images, Suhaimi Abdullah/NurPhoto)))Many players require a successful summer to establish their standing in the lineup, and, dare we say it, having someone like Luis Diaz return may be like getting a new signing.

Only four players can be ready for a vital period: Nunez, Diaz, Van Dijk, and Fabinho. Since there will be more rivalry, especially in the center and attack, there will be a strong battle for spots, which can only be a good thing.

Formation change is clearly apparent.

The acquisitions of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai appear to have been made expressly to fill the more advanced number eight positions, as Liverpool concluded the previous season looking strong with a new-look 3-2-5 configuration.

Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered his greatest performance in that formation, and Fabinho gave one of his better recent displays. Most of the Liverpool team would profit most from keeping it going.

That does not, however, guarantee that it will look exactly the same. The development work done over the summer might alter the system. Everything will become clear once Klopp, Pep Lijnders, and the crew get to work.