Liverpool have not selected either Belgian forward in the squad to take on Chelsea in the International Champions Cup due to a lack of match fitness. That’s according to Press Association journalist Carl Markham, at least.
.@chrisbenteke & @DivockOrigi not in LFC squad for game v Chelsea. Stayed at Palo Alto base for extra training as only joined tour this week
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) July 27, 2016
Bar German midfielder Emre Can, the Belgian trio of Christian Benteke, Divock Origi and Simon Mignolet got the longest break due to their county’s extended involvement in the Euros, but all four are now reunited with the Liverpool squad stateside.
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Jurgen Klopp is currently preparing a side to take on Antonio Conte’s Blues at the Rose Bowl in California, but will be without Benteke and Origi – who are clearly not up to full fitness yet.
Benteke is available for sale according to the Daily Mail, but Origi will be competing tooth and nail for a starting spot in Klopp’s team.
The youngster excelled towards the second half of last season, and at times, usurped Daniel Sturridge from the XI.
If he continues improving at the current rate and stays fit, the world is Origi’s oyster.