Arne Slot has confirmed Dominik Szoboszlai was only kept out of the squad for Liverpool’s 3-0 pre-season victory over Manchester United as a precaution.
The Reds delivered a strong win over United to finish their tour of the United States having previously defeated both Arsenal and Real Betis, with new manager Slot making a positive first impression after replacing Jurgen Klopp earlier this summer.
Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas all scored in the win against Premier League rivals United, but there was no place for Szoboszlai in the matchday squad.
Slot, however, revealed the Hungarian is not injured and was instead given time to rest as other first-team stars featured against the Red Devils.
“Dominik joined every session and every game,” Slot said ahead of the victory. “I think it’s a bit of fatigue and we don’t want to take any risks because we fly back to Liverpool tonight.
“On Tuesday all the other players arrive as well, so we want to start off then with all the players available and we didn’t want to take any risk with him today.”
Szoboszlai scored seven goals in 45 appearances in all competitions during his debut season on Merseyside, helping the Reds finish third in the Premier League and win the Carabao Cup.
Manager Slot also named the area where he hopes Liverpool can improve despite recording a hefty victory over United, insisting his side gave up too many chances to their rivals.
Liverpool are set to play in one more friendly ahead of their season opener against newly-promoted Ipswich Town. The Reds will host La Liga side Sevilla next Sunday at Anfield before travelling to Portman Road the following Saturday.
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