Liverpool fans hoping to see the return of the traditional pre-season friendly at Tranmere Rovers this summer were hit with disappointing news on Friday.
Rather than begin their preparations for the new season on Merseyside, Jurgen Klopp and his squad are instead set to head to Austria.
It is the second season on the bounce that the Reds have kicked off the new campaign elsewhere in the absence of a proper tour due to coronavirus restrictions.
And Klopp has his reasons for wanting to take his players away from the confines of their usual training base before the Premier League returns.
The Liverpool boss is a big believer in throwing his squad into a situation where even their free time is spent with teammates as the foundations for a new season are laid.
This additional contact reinforces the bonds between the players and, in the case of new signings, helps ensure they are created.
They should have plenty of time for socialising, too, with Liverpool yet to set a date for their return to England.
Reds chiefs describe this summer's pre-season plans as "fluid", with even the friendly fixtures they will contest in Austria still to be confirmed.
RB Salzburg's geographical proximity and the close ties between the two clubs are likely to see them suggested as a potential opponent.
However, sources close to the Austrian champions consider that unlikely given their current schedule.
Having contested a number of friendlies already, Matthias Jaissle's side begin their season in earnest next Friday when they face WSC Hertha in the Austrian Cup.
As well as potential fixtures, coronavirus restrictions will also have a major say in when Liverpool head back from their base in Austria.
With the Delta variant beginning to make its mark in mainland Europe, a hasty return to the UK has not been ruled out.
Liverpool at least know that, as things stand, they will not be required to quarantine upon their return from Tyrol.
As was the case for last season's Champions League games, Klopp and his squad are considered part of an elite sporting bubble that is not subject to the usual rules.
Consequently, they should be able to contest further friendly fixtures upon returning, with a game against Premier League opposition still part of this summer's plans.
Just don't ask Klopp when or where that might be happening yet, with an unusually flexible pre-season schedule ensuring certainty is hard to come by.
