Andoni Iraola has a key decision to make in defence as Liverpool visit Newcastle, while several players continue to recover from long-term injuries.
The Reds’ 2026/27 Premier League season finally gets started at St James’ Park, with kick-off at 4.30pm (BST).
For Iraola, it is a chance to make a big statement in his first competitive game in charge of Liverpool, as his players look to improve after a poor year under Arne Slot.
Here’s a look at who is missing for the Reds this weekend.
Federico Chiesa (unknown) – doubt
Conor Bradley (knee) – out
Joe Gomez (muscle) – out
Giovanni Leoni (knee) – out
Hugo Ekitike (achilles) – out
Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring) – out
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Joe Gomez receives treatment during a friendly match between Liverpool FC ans AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Joe Gomez receives treatment during a friendly match between Liverpool FC ans AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Joe Gomez is Liverpool’s longest-serving player of 11 years, but only 274 appearances in that time highlight his injury woes.
The 29-year-old is again missing, having picked up a muscle injury during the pre-season tour in the USA.
Gomez joins three long-term injury victims in Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike on the sidelines.
Leoni is looking to make a return to action next month, which is a huge plus, but there is no sign of the others being back in the fold any time soon.
Federico Chiesa missed Liverpool training earlier in the week, with reporter Fabrizio Romano saying his absence wasn’t transfer-related.
“The fact Chiesa didn’t train today doesn’t mean he’s about to move to an Italian team or, in any case, that he’s about to leave,” Romano said.
“So yeah, I think there’s a physical issue to consider.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola speaks to substitute Federico Chiesa (L) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola speaks to substitute Federico Chiesa (L) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In terms of team selection at St James’, nine of Liverpool’s starting lineup picks itself.
Alisson and Virgil van Dijk will hopefully continue to be as good as ever this season, and they will be joined by Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez at full-back.
Iraola has to choose between Jeremy Jacquet or Ronald Araujo alongside Van Dijk, which is one of his few selection issues.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Jacquet was immaculate against Como last weekend, but Araujo is more match fit, so it is a conundrum for Liverpool’s new head coach.
Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo are the strong favourites to start on the right and left wings respectively, with Florian Wirtz behind Alexander Isak down the middle.
Liverpool’s two most expensive signings of all time need huge seasons if the Reds are to go far in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool’s available squad vs. Newcastle
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz (R) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz (R) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman
Defenders: Van Dijk, Jacquet, Araujo, Kerkez, Frimpong, Tsimikas, Chambers
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Endo, Elliott, McConnell
Forwards: Isak, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ngumoha, Munoz, Koumas, *Chiesa
*Doubt
LFC debut goals
LFC debut goals
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