Liverpool have been handed a useful boost ahead of their Champions League opener against Atlético Madrid at Anfield.
According to Marca, Diego Simeone’s side are set to be without Alexander Sørloth through injury, while Arnau Ortiz will miss the game through suspension.
That means Atlético could arrive at Anfield without two attacking options for what promises to be a seriously difficult opening night in Europe.
And after Liverpool’s encouraging 2-0 victory over Ipswich, this is another little advantage that Andoni Iraola’s side will be happy to take.
Sørloth is a big absence
Sørloth’s absence could be particularly important.
The Norway international has been dealing with a muscle injury and has not yet returned to full group training, making a return against Liverpool extremely unlikely.
He would have provided Atlético with a very different threat.
His physical presence, aerial ability and willingness to occupy defenders can make life extremely uncomfortable for opposition centre-backs.
Liverpool will therefore be relieved not to have that particular problem to deal with.
Virgil van Dijk and Jérémy Jacquet will still have a difficult evening against Atlético’s other attacking options, but removing a player of Sørloth’s profile certainly helps.
Ortiz will also miss out
Arnau Ortiz’s absence is for a completely different reason.
The Atlético winger is suspended because of a UEFA ban dating back to 2024, when he was sent off while playing for Polish side Śląsk Wrocław in a Conference League qualifier. The suspension has carried over and must now be served.
It is a bizarre situation, but it means Ortiz won’t be walking out at Anfield on Wednesday night.
For Simeone, that’s another attacking option removed from his squad.
But Liverpool cannot get carried away
This is where Liverpool need to be careful.
I’m delighted that Atlético are missing players, but I certainly wouldn’t be looking at this game thinking it will suddenly be easy.
Simeone has plenty of quality available.
Players such as Julián Álvarez, along with the other attacking options at his disposal, mean Liverpool will still have a serious job on their hands.
And Atlético are exactly the type of side that can punish you if you become complacent.
They can defend.
They can counter-attack.
They can slow the game down.
And they have players capable of producing something from very little.
Anfield needs to make the difference
This is exactly the sort of Champions League night Liverpool supporters have been waiting for.
Anfield under the lights.
Champions League football.
Atlético Madrid.
And Iraola taking charge of his first European game as Liverpool manager.
The Reds also have momentum after beating Ipswich 2-0, with Alexander Isak scoring twice and Cody Gakpo providing both assists.
That will give Liverpool confidence going into Wednesday.
Isak has now opened his Liverpool account in spectacular fashion, while Gakpo continues to show why keeping him was such an important decision.
And then there is Bradley Barcola.
The new £100m-plus signing made his Liverpool debut from the bench against Ipswich and could potentially have a bigger role against Atlético.
That is an exciting prospect.
Iraola has to get this right
Liverpool have been given a little helping hand with Atlético’s absences.
Now Iraola has to take advantage.
The defensive improvement against Ipswich was encouraging, with Liverpool recording their first clean sheet of the season.
But Atlético will test them in completely different ways.
Liverpool cannot afford to switch off.
They need to control the midfield, protect the defence and get Isak involved as much as possible.
And if Barcola is given more minutes, his pace could be particularly useful against a team that may sit deeper for periods.
A boost — but nothing more
For me, the absence of Sørloth and Ortiz is definitely good news.
I’d rather Liverpool faced Atlético without them than with them.
But it doesn’t change the fundamental challenge.
This is Champions League football.
Atlético Madrid are experienced at this level.
And Simeone will have his team organised.
Liverpool still need to play well.
But this is an opportunity
Liverpool have been given a couple of advantages before the game has even kicked off.
Sørloth is expected to miss out through injury.
Ortiz is suspended.
Now Liverpool need to make those absences count.
Get the three points.
Start the Champions League campaign with a statement.
And give Iraola the European night he has been waiting for.
Anfield under the lights.
Atlético Madrid in town.
Liverpool have been handed a boost.
Now let’s make it count.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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