Andoni Iraola with his hand on his mouth
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has shared an update on his squad ahead of their Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
The Reds have had an unbeaten start to their campaign so far, claiming wins over Ipswich in the Premier League, Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup, while they have also been held to draws by Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Fulham in the top-flight.
New boss Iraola has been working with a thin squad, with a number of first-team stars unavailable due to injury or not quite 100% fit after their, and now returns to his former club ahead of the international break.
Liverpool were able to welcome defender Joe Gomez back to the side for the midweek game against Tottenham in the EFL Cup, as he featured for 45 minutes from the start.
Now Iraola has confirmed that he is in contention to be involved again at the weekend, while the four other injury concerns in the squad remain sidelined.
"Everyone is ready to go. We are in the same place we were. The three long-term injuries, plus Federico (Chiesa), and the others, nothing. We still need to train tomorrow and travel, but everyone is fine.'
Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury suffered last season, while Conor Bradley is unlikely to return until next year following a knee problem of his own.
Hugo Ekitike is expected to return in January from the long-term achilles problem he suffered at the start of the year, while Federico Chiesa remains out of action with a back problem suffered during pre-season.
Florian Wirtz Decision Pending
Szoboszlai and Wirtz Liverpool
Szoboszlai and Wirtz Liverpool
So far this season Florian Wirtz has started every Premier League game in the number 10 position, with Iraola moving Dominik Szoboszlai around the pitch to try and help get the best out of the German.
But after the Hungary star's stunning goal in midweek, while Wirtz was rested on the sidelines, there are now big question marks about how the manager will be able to put them both into the same team together.
Wirtz is likely to get the nod alongside Szoboszlai once again this weekend, but the manager will be looking closely at how they both perform. Another game where there is no victory, or Wirtz struggles once again, could mean there is a big decision to make very soon.
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai warms up before Premier League games against Ipswich Town
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai warms up before Premier League games against Ipswich Town