Latest Liverpool injury news ahead of Manchester City as an update emerges on Hugo Ekitike and Andoni Iraola expects two players to recover in time for the Premier League clash
Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike's return is getting closer(Image: Ferda Demir/Getty Images)
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There's still some time to go in the international break and Liverpool have already been hit by problems since they last played Premier League football. Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo have both already returned to Anfield after suffering injuries on international duty with Sweden and the Netherlands, respectively.
Andoni Iroala's injury list isn't a short one, with long-term absentees in Giovanni Lioni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike, but the former Bournemouth boss will hope that his stars are on the comeback trail during the next stretch of domestic action.
Manchester City lie in wait next and Iraola will want a strong squad to take on the Premier League leaders, who have recently been found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules. There is a chance some of Liverpool's stars could return to the starting ranks.
With that said, the ECHO takes a look at the latest updates on Liverpool's injured crop of players.
Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool forward Ekitike suffered an Achilles injury back in April and required surgery. The Frenchman's rehabilitation is well underway and there is hope that his return could be getting closer.
L’Equipe has reported that Ekitike is targeting a return in November, with December also a possibility. The Reds named the 24-year-old in their Champions League squad for fixtures running into January.
It is said that Ekitike is now able to jog as he makes his way back.
Return date: November/December
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Conor Bradley
Last month, Andoni Iraola suggested that the defender was still some way of a return to training with the team and was behind Giovanni Leoni's return to fitness.
"I think he is not close to training with the team," Iraola said in September. "He’s training alone, but he has started touching the ball. Definitely, I want him as quick as possible ready, but it’s a long-term injury."
Return date: 21/11.
Giovanni Leoni
It's been more than a year since the Italian youngster was available for Liverpool and he could soon be making his way back to action. In September, Iraola said that the central defender was set to start training during the international break.
Return date: 1/11.
Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool during a training session at Endeavor Health Performance Center
Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool during a training session at Endeavor Health Performance Center (Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
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Federico Chiesa
The winger looks to have returned to training, with new goalkeeper Hayden Smith saying that he had been at the AXA to train with Chiesa. The ex-Juventus star was ruled out with a small muscle injury during the summer and has not featured so far this term.
Return date: 11/10.
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak was a victim of the international break after picking up an injury during Sweden’s Nations League match against Romania. The striker got on the scoresheet but was forced out of the game and the group after picking up a thigh issue.
Liverpool confirmed in a statement that the Swede returned to Merseyside because of a ‘minor injury’ and would now receive further medical assessment back at the AXA Training Centre.
Return date: 11/10
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring the opening goal against Romania
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring the opening goal against Romania
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Cody Gakpo
Another problem for Liverpool that arrived during the international break. Cody Gakpo has picked up an ankle injury after a tackle in the Netherlands' match against Serbia.
The attacker has withdrawn from duty with the Dutch side but after undergoing tests, reports in the Netherlands suggest he could be 'out for several weeks'.
Return date: November
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