Ben Doak absence explained as Liverpool set to face transfer interest in teenager

Ben Doak's absence from Liverpool training has been explained after the youngster missed the Reds' open training session in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Arne Slot's side remain stateside ahead of their final two games of their pre-season tour, with fixtures against Arsenal on Wednesday and Manchester United on Saturday still to come before they head back to the UK next week.

In an effort to engage with their fans across the pond whilst on tour, the players were part of an open training session at the Lincoln Financial Field as they were put through their paces by Slot and his staff, although there were a few notable absentees.

READ MORE: Andy Robertson verdict on Ben Doak speaks volumes as Liverpool to make transfer decision

READ MORE: Uruguay hero tells Arne Slot he can unlock Darwin Nunez at Liverpool with just one move

Midfielder Curtis Jones was one of three missing players, having limped off after just 31 minutes against Real Betis on Friday, while 17-year-old Trey Nyoni was also not in attendance as he continues to be managed carefully.

Scottish youth international Doak was the third and final player who did not participate in Sunday's session, with the Liverpool Echo reporting that he did not partake for the same reason as Nyoni following his fitness issues last term.

It is thought the youngster will be involved in Thursday's matchday squad against Arsenal if there is no specific issue with his fitness, although further updates are expected to be provided in the coming hours and days in the build-up to the game.

Many could be forgiven for thinking Doak may have been absent due to the recent transfer interest in his services from newly promoted Premier League sides Leicester City and Southampton , who are keen to take the 18-year-old on a season-long loan, according to the ECHO .

While no decision has been made on whether he will depart, there is a conversation to be had involving Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes , who are keen to sit down with the Scotsman and discuss the next steps for his progression on Merseyside.

Having overcome the heart-breaking injury that forced him out of Scotland's Euro 2024 squad , the former Celtic starlet is determined to kick on this campaign and should he want regular first-team football, a temporary move away is the most viable option, given the talent already ahead of him in the Anfield pecking order.