CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha (L) and Ryan Gravenberch during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha (L) and Ryan Gravenberch during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Andoni Iraola has five of his senior squad out injured as Liverpool host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
While the performance wasn’t particularly encouraging, the point taken from St James’ Park on the opening day will be viewed more positively if Liverpool can follow it up with a win at Anfield.
With supporters expecting a better showing in the Reds’ opening home match, Liverpool have five senior players out.
Here is who will miss out for Liverpool vs. Forest and Iraola’s updates:
Federico Chiesa (back) – Unavailable due to a “small muscle injury” in his back
Joe Gomez (muscle) – Unavailable
Giovanni Leoni (ACL) – Unavailable but hopefully back in training next month
Conor Bradley (knee) – Unavailable
Hugo Ekitike (Achilles) – Unavailable
Federico Chiesa wasn’t involved in any capacity for Liverpool in the north east, due to a small injury picked up two weeks ago.
Iraola explained: “In the game against Como he felt something at the back and it’s a small muscle injury. He is not available.”
Joe Gomez also suffered an injury in pre-season, going down nine minutes into Liverpool’s first friendly a month ago.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 3, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Federico Chiesa during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 3, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Federico Chiesa during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“He is some weeks off,” Iraola said of the vice-captain on July 30.
“It’s a muscle injury. I always say one month, maybe less, but it’s impossible to have him for the start of the Premier League season – but not so long after that.”
Fellow defender Giovanni Leoni is also absent and still recovering from the ACL surgery he underwent 11 months ago.
The Athletic reported early in August that club sources hoped he would return to training with a view to playing again in September.
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's unused players Stefan Bajcetic (L) and Giovanni Leoni during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's unused players Stefan Bajcetic (L) and Giovanni Leoni during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He isn’t yet back in training, so hopefully the 19-year-old isn’t far off.
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley continue on their long roads back to fitness, recovering from Achilles and knee injuries respectively.
Stefan Bajcetic is also unavailable, having visited Finland this week for medical tests this week ahead of a potential move away.
However, This Is Anfield understands no formal interest has arrived for the Spaniard.
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CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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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
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