World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from this week’s Cincinnati Open because of a knee injury, but still expects to be fit for the US Open later this month.

The 24-year-old Italian won his fifth Grand Slam singles title by beating Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final last month, but has not played since.

“After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati,” Sinner said.

“My right knee has been bothering me and even though we have been working hard with my medical team, I have to accept I’m not ready to compete yet.

“I’m very disappointed not to be able to play in Cincinnati. I can’t wait to be back next year and I’m now focusing on getting ready for the US Open.”

The Cincinnati Open main draw begins on 13 August, with the final on 23 August. Zverev and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic are among those in action.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz won the 2025 event and was leading 5-0 in the final against Sinner, before the Italian had to retire because of illness.

But world number two Alcaraz, 23, will not be there to defend his title as he has not played since the Barcelona Open in April because of a wrist injury.

The US Open, the last Grand Slam of the year, takes place in New York from 30 August to 13 September.

Iraola has two pre-season games remaining – a double-header against Como on 16 August – before their Premier League season gets under way.

In two weeks time, when they begin their top-flight campaign at Newcastle, the question remains as to who will partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.

Alongside Alisson and Cody Gakpo, Van Dijk made his return against Monaco after an extended post-World Cup break.

Van Dijk started the game with 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who looks like a terrific talent but will have to go on loan this season due to work permit issues. It spoke volumes that Liverpool finished the game with Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo at centre-back.

Ronald Araujo, 27, completed his medical on Sunday as his season-long loan move from Barcelona – with an option to buy for around £47.2m – nears completion, while Jeremy Jacquet, 21, is yet to be involved in full training since completing his move from Rennes.

Jacquet suffered a shoulder injury in February and has recently struggled with a minor knee problem, but Liverpool are optimistic he could play next weekend against Como.

“Jeremy Jacquet, we were in doubt whether to put him in,” said Iraola. “We decided not to, but he should be fine for the next one. It’s taking a bit more time than we were expecting.”