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Liverpool pre-season: Jurgen Klopp’s side set for Austria after UK Covid-19 quarantine rules force late change

Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Liverpool are set to head to Austria for their pre-season training camp after new UK quarantine rules forced a late change of plans.

Jurgen Klopp had hoped to return to the French resort of Evian-les-Bains this week following successful visits in each of the last two summers.

However, it was announced on Thursday that, from Saturday, France will be added to the UK’s list of countries requiring a 14-day isolation period upon return.

Consequently, the Reds have moved on to their contingency plan and will now spend the coming days in the picturesque Austrian town of Saalfelden, an hour’s drive from Salzburg.

Standard Sport understands that Germany is another destination being considered by the club, but Austria is expected to be their chosen location, according to our sources.

Liverpool’s pre-season is set to begin on Saturday, less than three weeks after they rounded off a victorious Premier League campaign at Newcastle United.

They will do so with a new face present after the signing of Greece defender Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiacos was completed last week.

The players have the option of making their own way to Austria, or meeting up at the club’s Melwood training base to travel together.

There they will undergo the dreaded lactate test - a fitness assessment that has become a hallmark of pre-season under Klopp - before preparations for the new campaign begin in earnest.