Liverpool are continuing with their pre-season campaign as scheduled, set to face Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos at Nissan Stadium despite widespread tsunami warnings following a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. The seismic activity prompted Japan’s Meteorological Agency to issue evacuation orders for nearly two million residents, citing expected waves reaching up to three meters in height along parts of the Japanese coastline.
Fortunately, Yokohama — located just south of Tokyo — is projected to be less severely affected, with most of the tsunami’s potential impact focused on northern regions like Hokkaido. As a result, no official statement has been issued by Liverpool or the event organizers regarding any delay or cancellation of the match.
The Premier League champions have already confirmed their starting lineup and shared their usual matchday graphics ahead of the friendly, reinforcing the likelihood of the match proceeding without disruption. This fixture is Liverpool’s third in their pre-season journey, following a high-scoring 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong.
Tonight’s encounter will mark the debut appearances of two of Liverpool’s marquee summer signings. Hugo Ekitike, brought in from Eintracht Frankfurt, will take up the striker role as the club looks to rebuild following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota earlier this month in a car accident. Alongside him, Florian Wirtz, who joined in a record-breaking £116 million deal from Bayer Leverkusen, will also feature.
Arne Slot’s refreshed squad has undergone significant changes, with additional reinforcements in defense as well. Milos Kerkez arrives from Bournemouth while Jeremie Frimpong makes the switch from Leverkusen, filling the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who moved to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
With so many new faces, Liverpool’s pre-season games are crucial for adapting to Slot’s high-tempo tactical system. Following the match in Japan, the Reds will wrap up their pre-season with a home game against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield before taking on FA Cup champions Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield.
