Liverpool’s pre-season preparations returned to English soil this week ahead of their trip to the Castellón region of Spain to face Villareal on Wednesday.

After two weeks in Switzerland and Germany, the players returnws to Melwood and where joined by their Spanish contingent of Fernando Torres, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina on Friday.

The match against last season’s La Liga runners-up is part of the deal which saw Reina join Liverpool from Villareal three years ago.

Club captain Steven Gerrard could return to training this week also after leaving the Reds training camp early due to a groin injury. While manager Rafa Benitez is eager to add Robbie Keane to the first team squad as soon as possible, with a deal reported to be completed early this week and possibly in time for the Irishman to be involved in Spain.

Benitez though will be without Javier Mascherano, Ryan Babel and Lucas Leiva as they head off to join up with their respective countries for the Olympics next month.

Kick off against Villareal is 8:30pm UK.