Andoni Iraola’s first season at Liverpool has moved quickly. Four Premier League games in, and the Basque manager is already preparing for one of the more personal fixtures on his calendar.
Iraola will return to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, facing Bournemouth in the Premier League for the first time since leaving the south coast club in the summer.
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He spent three years at Bournemouth before taking over at Anfield, and the game carries clear significance beyond the three points on offer.
Iraola admitted he was “close to tears” when Bournemouth secured Europa League qualification in what was his final match in charge.
He guided the club to a sixth-place finish in the 2025-26 season, their highest in history, qualifying them for the Europa League for the first time. Returning now with Liverpool, he does so as their direct opponent.
Liverpool remain unbeaten in the league this season, sitting in the top half with one win and three draws from their opening four matches.
They head to the south coast with momentum building and with at least one welcome fitness development from Tuesday night.
Iraola confirmed after the 3-1 Carabao Cup third-round victory over Tottenham that Joe Gomez’s half-time withdrawal was planned, not the result of a fresh problem.
Gomez had been sidelined since suffering a muscle injury during Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States, forced off after just eight minutes in the 4-2 win over Sunderland in Nashville.
Tuesday’s appearance against Spurs was his first of the 2026/27 campaign.
He started at centre-back in a much-changed side as Liverpool ran out winners at Anfield, but his exit at the interval prompted concern among supporters given his injury history.
The manager moved quickly to put those fears to rest.
“Joe has been doing the recovery process very well and with him it made sense,” Iraola said. “It wasn’t set but the plan was not a lot more than 45, yes.”
Jeremy Jacquet replaced Gomez at half-time as part of the planned minute restriction. Gomez delivered a composed 45 minutes, racking up four clearances, two blocks and one interception as he eased back into competitive action.
Gomez is the longest-serving player at Liverpool. His return to fitness gives Iraola another experienced option at defence.
Liverpool are already guaranteed to play at least 48 games this season, competing across the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Iraola had signalled on Monday that Gomez’s involvement against Spurs would be carefully managed.
“Joe is training with the team and is available for tomorrow,” the head coach said ahead of the tie. “It’s a matter of deciding how much he can play.”
That measured approach reflects how Liverpool intend to handle Gomez’s reintegration, keeping him available for the weeks ahead rather than risking him unnecessarily.
The trip to the Vitality Stadium is Liverpool’s fifth game in September and the final fixture before the extended international break.
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