Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has delivered a fresh injury update on Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Dominik Szoboszlai ahead of the Reds’ Champions League clash against LASK.
Liverpool travel to Austria on Wednesday looking to build on their opening victory in the competition and respond positively to their disappointing 3-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City.
However, the Merseyside club must continue without three important first-team players, although Iraola has suggested that their returns may not be too far away.
Iraola Provides Encouraging Injury Update
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Iraola revealed that Gakpo, Isak and Szoboszlai are making progress but have yet to return to full team training.
“They are not far,” the Liverpool manager explained, while admitting that it remains uncertain when the trio will be available again.
The three players missed Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester City after picking up fitness problems while representing their countries during the international break.
Although their absence is a setback, Iraola’s comments will offer encouragement to Liverpool supporters hoping to see the key players return soon.
The manager stressed that the club will continue assessing their condition daily, meaning their availability for upcoming fixtures against Brentford, Villarreal and Brighton remains uncertain.
Liverpool Set to Make Changes Against LASK
With a demanding schedule ahead, Liverpool could rotate their starting line-up for Wednesday’s Champions League encounter.
The match is part of a busy period that will see the Reds play four games in just 10 days. A Premier League trip to Brentford follows on Saturday, before Villarreal visit Anfield next Tuesday.
Iraola explained that maintaining player fitness and freshness will be essential during this congested run of fixtures.
The Liverpool boss also highlighted the importance of giving Bradley Barcola more playing time, believing that the forward will improve as he develops stronger connections with his teammates.
Barcola could therefore have an important role to play as Liverpool look to recover from their defeat to Manchester City.
Liverpool’s Injury List and Squad Concerns
Liverpool remain without Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni, who are long-term absentees.
Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are also unavailable for the LASK fixture because they were not included in Liverpool’s Champions League league-phase squad.
Meanwhile, Gakpo, Isak and Szoboszlai remain doubtful as they continue their recovery from their respective fitness problems.
Their potential returns will be particularly important as Liverpool prepare for a challenging run of domestic and European matches.
Liverpool Must Avoid Another Setback
Wednesday’s match presents Liverpool with an opportunity to regain confidence following their disappointing defeat at Anfield against Manchester City.
LASK will be determined to cause an upset despite losing 1-0 to AEK Athens in their opening Champions League fixture.
Their head coach, Dietmar Kühbauer, has challenged his players to deliver an outstanding performance if they are to compete with Liverpool.
The Reds will be expected to approach the game with serious intent, but Iraola must balance the need for victory with the importance of managing his players’ fitness.
For Liverpool supporters, the biggest positive from the press conference is the suggestion that Gakpo, Isak and Szoboszlai may be approaching their returns.
However, no comeback date has been confirmed, and Liverpool will continue monitoring all three players before making a final decision on their availability.
Liverpool fans will now be hoping the Reds can secure another Champions League victory while avoiding further injuries ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford.
