Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is facing a difficult selection challenge ahead of the Reds’ Champions League encounter with Fenerbahce in Istanbul, with eight senior players unavailable for the important European fixture.
The latest squad update reveals that Liverpool will travel with just 22 players, leaving the Spanish manager with limited options as he prepares his team for another demanding test.
Ryan Gravenberch Suffers Fresh Injury Setback
One of the biggest concerns for Liverpool is the absence of Ryan Gravenberch, who has picked up a heel injury.
The Dutch midfielder was an unused substitute during Liverpool’s recent defeat to Arsenal but has now been ruled out of the trip to Turkey.
The problem reportedly involves the fascia in his heel, with Iraola confirming that the midfielder will need daily assessments before Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace.
His availability for that match remains uncertain as he continues to experience discomfort.
Liverpool Still Without Several Key Players
Gravenberch is not the only player missing from Liverpool’s squad.
Jeremie Frimpong remains unavailable because of a muscle injury, while Giovanni Leoni continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
Conor Bradley is also sidelined with a knee problem, and Hugo Ekitike remains out with an Achilles injury.
Goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros is another absentee as he continues recovering from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo will also miss the encounter, although their absences are not injury-related. Both players were left out of Liverpool’s Champions League league-phase registration.
Liverpool’s 22-Man Travelling Squad Revealed
Despite the growing injury concerns, Liverpool still have several important players available for the trip to Istanbul.
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman.
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Joe Gomez, Ronald Araujo, Milos Kerkez, Kostas Tsimikas, Luke Chambers.
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Trey Nyoni, James McConnell.
Forwards: Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Victor Muñoz, Barcola, Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns.
The reduced travelling squad means Liverpool can name only 11 substitutes instead of the maximum 12 permitted, unless an additional player is promoted from the Under-19s team.
Iraola Faces Difficult Selection Decisions
Liverpool’s injury situation could force Iraola to make further changes to his starting eleven.
The manager has already rotated his squad heavily in recent weeks, making an average of six changes across his last five matches in all competitions.
With another demanding Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace approaching, managing the fitness of his available players will be crucial.
The Champions League trip to Turkey represents another major test for Liverpool, particularly with several experienced players missing.
The Reds will now hope their available stars can deliver a strong performance against Fenerbahce despite the growing injury concerns.
What do you think? Can Liverpool overcome these injury problems and secure a positive result against Fenerbahce? Share your thoughts in the comment
