Van Dijk and Gakpo were given additional time off after their involvement with the Netherlands, meaning they did not travel in time for the friendly against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium.
Their return should add experience and attacking quality to Liverpool’s next phase of preparation. Both players are expected to be considered for the meeting with Monaco at Anfield on 9 August, although their involvement will likely depend on how quickly they regain match sharpness.
Alisson Becker has also been granted extra rest, creating a careful workload-management plan before the competitive season begins.
Gravenberch’s return gives Liverpool another option in midfield, while Wirtz and Isak continue their early work with the group. All three could feature against Wrexham, offering an initial glimpse of how the new-look squad might be balanced.
“I think I had three weeks and passed well this time with my family. I enjoyed the holidays. Now I am recharged,” Gravenberch said.
The midfielder also described the mood inside the camp as positive, despite the intensity of the sessions.
“Everyone is happy to be here. I spoke with some teammates, and they said the training sessions are very good. They are intense too, but very good. I think everyone is excited,” he added.
Liverpool’s schedule provides a staged route back into action: Wrexham in New York, Monaco at Anfield, then two fixtures against Como one week later. One of the Como matches is set to be played behind closed doors.
The immediate storyline is whether the returning veterans can join the emerging group in time for Monaco. The Wrexham fixture comes first, but the Anfield friendlies should offer clearer clues about Liverpool’s preferred combinations and preseason priorities.