Andoni Iraola has confirmed a significant squad boost for Liverpool ahead of their double-header against Como on Sunday.
The two clubs will meet twice: first in a behind-closed-doors fixture at the AXA Training Centre (11:30am kick-off), then in front of fans at Anfield (6pm). Iraola is expected to field a stronger lineup for the evening game.
Alexis Mac Allister was the last of Liverpool’s World Cup contingent to return, reporting for duty at the AXA Training Centre earlier this week. The arrival of Ronald Araújo on loan has further strengthened the options available to the new head coach.
In his programme notes, Iraola expressed his satisfaction at having the Argentine midfielder available for the first time this pre-season:
“With Alexis Mac Allister having returned to the AXA Training Centre on Monday, we now have all of our players back after the World Cup, which is of course hugely beneficial.”
Iraola has had to manage a staggered return of Liverpool’s World Cup players. Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak joined the squad during the US tour, while Mac Allister only linked up this week. That has limited the new manager’s time on the training pitch with several key first-team players ahead of the Premier League restart.
Liverpool will still be without long-term absentees Hugo Ekitiké, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, plus Joe Gomez, who suffered an injury against Sunderland three weeks ago. However, Mac Allister’s return and Araújo’s arrival provide a timely lift. Fans may also get a first look at Jeremy Jacquet if he recovers in time for Sunday.
While two wins would be welcome, the priority is clear: get every player through the double-header unscathed so Iraola has a clean bill of health for the Premier League opener against Newcastle next weekend.
