Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday
Conor Bradley is still some way off a Liverpool return, according to Andoni Iraola.
Conor Bradley is still some way off a Liverpool return, according to Andoni Iraola.(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool are set to get back in action as they look to shrug off Saturday's disappointing stalemate at home to Fulham. The Reds host Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup third round, with the record holders looking for another win under Andoni Iraola.
The Basque tactician was left unhappy with the display against Alvaro Arbeloa's side last time out with Liverpool riding their luck defensively and being forced into a second successive home draw in the Premier League.
Tuesday's encounter (8pm BST) poses an opportunity for Iraola to see other members of his Liverpool side after a relentless start to the campaign. The former Bournemouth boss confirmed that Giorgi Mamardashvili will deputise in place of Alisson Becker with the Georgian eyeing a better campaign than his debut season on Merseyside.
READ MORE: Andoni Iraola confirms Liverpool goalkeeper decision and issues Conor Bradley injury update
Here is the latest Liverpool injury news ahead of the North London clubs' visit to Anfield.
Conor Bradley
Iraola confirmed that the Northern Ireland defender remains some distance away from training with his first-team teammates. The defender suffered a serious knee injury during the draw with Arsenal in January, and has been on the comeback trail since.
Bradley has begun training with a football but still remains in individual training. The Reds boss said: "I think he's not close to training with the team, training with the ball, definitely I want him ready as quick as possible. Long-term injuries, Leoni is a little bit ahead of him. Still, it's going to take a bit of time for Conor."
Potential return date: Unknown
Giovanni Leoni
Leoni is edging closer to a Liverpool return after the young defender suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during his Liverpool debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup last September.
Iraola previously suggested that Leoni will be the next man back off the treatment table and into contention for minutes but his comeback will not be until after the forthcoming international break. On Monday, the Reds head coach revealed he was closer to a return.
He said: "Long-term injuries, Leoni is a little bit ahead of [Bradley]. Still, it's going to take a bit of time for Conor."
Potential return date: October
Joe Gomez
Iraola confirmed that defender Joe Gomez will be in contention for a place in the team for Tottenham's visit. The stopper has been on the comeback trail since he was forced off during the pre-season friendly against Sunderland.
However, the tactician conceded that they will be mindful of his minutes. He said: "With Joe, he's training with the team, he is going to be available for tomorrow, it's a matter of deciding how much he's going to play."
Potential return date: Tottenham Hotspur, September 15 (Carabao Cup).
Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa has been sidelined since the final pre-season friendly against Como. The Italian managed 41 minutes in the behind-closed-doors preparation game.
Like his fellow countryman, he is expected to return after the international break.
Potential return date: October.