Watch: Wijnaldum and Van Dijk Return to Training

The band is slowly getting back together as, one by one, the players have begun returning to Merseyside for preseason training. The newest ones to make an appearance were Gini Wijnaldum and Virgil Van Dijk, who were allowed extra time off after playing a friendly for the Netherlands at the beginning of June.

But summer break is over, and the official website has put out a video of the two Dutchmen enjoying their first day back at Melwood.

The video, most importantly, shows some Klopp hugs, definitive proof that they are, in fact, back home. We are also taken through the process of the first day of training with the boys, including a lactate test, which included enough running to make me feel a bit tired just watching it on my couch.

They’re also put through their paces with strength training and an exercise bike. You’ll won’t be surprised to discover that Gini’s smile does not get an less radiant with physical exertion.

The team is one step closer to completion, with Salah and Mané the next players set to return. Simon Mignolet, Dejan Lovren, Jordan Henderson, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the four players still battling it out in Russia to try and take home the World Cup.