Liverpool will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend as it takes on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, but Andoni Iraola could be without several players
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 07: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Conor Bradley of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 07, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Conor Bradley is continuing his recovery from a serious knee injury(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool returns to Premier League action this Sunday as it makes the trip to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The Reds will be looking to secure a crucial three points in their final fixture before the extended international break begins.
Andoni Iraola will lead Liverpool in what promises to be a particularly poignant occasion as he takes charge against his former club, whom he departed in the summer prior to taking the helm at Anfield.
The Reds head into the contest on the back of a 3-1 Carabao Cup triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, though they were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Fulham in their most recent Premier League outing.
Nevertheless, Iraola will need to navigate a number of injury concerns as Liverpool prepares to face Bournemouth, a challenge that has been a recurring theme throughout the campaign so far, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Here is the latest on the injury front for Liverpool ahead of Sunday's game.
Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike continues to work his way back from an Achilles injury sustained back in April, and remains some months away from full fitness.
Iraola revealed that Liverpool's decision to include the striker in the Champions League squad was driven by the hope that he would be fit and available come January.
"It is difficult with long-term injuries. He [Ekitike] is still far [away from returning]," Iraola confirmed earlier this month.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool looks on during a Liverpool FC Training Session at AXA Training Centre.
Hugo Ekitike still faces a long spell out(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
"We had a meeting with the medical department, and there is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the group stages, but it is still very early."
Iraola added: "There is still a big part of a rehab to go. but we put him in the squad because there is a hope and realistic chance that he could help us in January."
Potential return date: January 2027
Giovanni Leoni
Giovanni Leoni is approaching the final phase of his rehabilitation from an ACL injury sustained during his debut appearance in the Carabao Cup last September.
Iraola has previously indicated his expectation that Leoni will rejoin training during the international break, in which Liverpool will have a three-week hiatus from competitive action.
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"I think the next one probably should be Giovanni," Iraola said earlier this month. "I think the plan is also to start training during the break, with the group."
Potential return date: October 11 vs Manchester City (H)
Conor Bradley
Conor Bradley sustained an serious knee injury in January during a goalless stalemate with Arsenal and remains in the midst of his rehabilitation programme.
Liverpool has not provided a specific timeframe for the Northern Ireland international's return to training, although it is thought that he could be targeting a return in a couple of months.
Potential return date: November
Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa has yet to feature for Liverpool following an injury sustained in the closing stages of pre-season.
Iraola confirmed during his press conference that the Italy international remains unavailable for the fixture against Bournemouth, having suggested earlier this month that he could return to training at the same time as Leoni.
Potential return date: October 11 vs Manchester City (H)