Liverpool makes decision on Preston North End friendly following Diogo Jota death

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Liverpool's friendly against Preston North End this weekend is expected to go ahead as planned, following talks between the two clubs.

Liverpool's staff and players were also consulted on the matter, and it is reported by the Lancashire Evening Post — a local paper that covers Preston — that the decision has been taken that the game should take place.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 3pm BST, and it will be shown live on ITV1 in the UK. Coverage is currently due to start at 2.50pm, but logic dictates that the broadcast's start time could be brought forward to accommodate a proper pre-game tribute.

Spanish police believe that Jota was behind the wheel when the vehicle that he was traveling in last Thursday blew a tire, ultimately killing the Liverpool forward and his younger brother.

The pair were making their way back to Liverpool by road ahead of the start of pre-season training; Jota had opted against flying on medical advice after undergoing lung surgery earlier in the summer.

The official report into the crash has not yet been completed, but a statement from Spanish police on Tuesday (July 8) gave an update on where things stand.

In its second official statement regarding the crash, the Spanish Civil Guard said: “The expert report is still being worked on and finalized. Among other things traffic police from the Zamora branch of the Civil Guard are studying the tread marked by one of the wheels of the vehicle. Everything is also pointing to a possible high excess of speed over the permitted speed on that stretch of the motorway.

“All the tests carried out for the moment point to the driver of the crash vehicle being Diogo Jota. The expert police report when it is finalized will be handed over to a court in Puebla de Sanabria.”

Liverpool's players were given Monday off after Arne Slot and a number of Liverpool players attended Jota and his brother's funeral in Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on Saturday (July 5).

Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson were among the Liverpool players who were pictured arriving at Liverpool's training ground on Tuesday for the first day of pre-season.

Slot, Robertson, and FSG's CEO of football Michael Edwards journeyed to Anfield later in the day to add their contributions to Jota's memorial outside the stadium.

Robertson left a message alongside a bouquet of flowers, which read: “Our hearts are broken. But feeling very grateful for the memories you gave us all. I will miss you. Love you, brother. Robbo.”

Slot, alongside his wife, laid a bunch of flowers and a card at the memorial. “Diogo, we had the same dream and we fulfilled it together. Andre and yourself will always be in our hearts,” read the card, which was signed by Slot’s family.

Edwards, the CEO of Football for Fenway Sports Group, left a card that read: “With love and remembrance. In honour of Diogo Jota - down to earth, determined, a great finisher, and above all, loved and respected by all who knew him. He gave everything to the team with quiet strength and unwavering humility.

“His impact reached far beyond the pitch. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who held him dear. Rest in Peace, Diogo.”

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