Liverpool Shock Fans with Bold Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez Lineup Choices Against AC Milan

Arne Slot, Liverpool's head coach, has decided to exclude both Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz from his squad selection for Saturday's pre-season match against AC Milan.

The Merseyside club made the trip to Hong Kong without Italian winger Federico Chiesa, who remained at home while transfer speculation continues to swirl around his Anfield future. Both Núñez and Díaz find themselves in comparable circumstances but were still part of Slot's traveling party, with the Uruguayan striker having already appeared in pre-season action.

Even with both forwards at his disposal, Slot has chosen not to include Núñez or Díaz in his matchday selection, leaving the pair to observe Saturday's encounter from the stands. No official explanation has been provided for their omission, leading to widespread belief that ongoing transfer discussions are the underlying factor.

Though both players are reportedly willing to consider departures, Díaz has taken a more decisive stance by formally asking to leave Liverpool following approaches from Barcelona and, most notably, Bayern Munich.

Saturday's fixture arrives too early for new acquisition Hugo Ekitiké, who only arrived in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Nevertheless, there's a maiden start for Florian Wirtz, who features in a versatile attacking formation that seemingly lacks a conventional center-forward. Mohamed Salah begins alongside his fresh Liverpool colleague, while Harvey Elliott makes his squad return after an extended break following his achievements with England's Under-21 team.

Liverpool XI to Face AC Milan

(4-2-3-1): Alisson; Stephenson, Van Dijk, Morton, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Elliott, Ngumoha; Wirtz.

Subs: Woodman, Mamardashvili, Konaté, Jones, Gakpo, Tsimikas, Doak, Kerkez, Frimpong, Bradley, Nyoni.