Liverpool is set to return to action this week after a long three-week international break, with the manager hopeful of having a largely healthy squad at his disposal
Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool, during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Fulham
Andoni Iraola is set to be boosted by the return of several Liverpool stars(Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))
Liverpool is back in action this week, as a clash with Manchester City is on the horizon, bringing an end to a three-week wait for the side to play once again.
The international break has given ample time for Andoni Iraola to reflect on the early days of his tenure so far, which have been filled with mixed results and performances. The manager has been impacted by the availability within his squad at points of the campaign, with pre-existing injury concerns being compounded by a thin squad that needs managing through a busy period.
With a run of nine games over the next month before the November internationals, the Liverpool boss will be hoping to have a largely healthy squad available to him to get through a challenging period that includes clashes with Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
There are two concerns coming from the recent run of international fixtures, as Cody Gakpo had to withdraw from the Netherlands squad due to an injury, while Alexander Isak also dropped out of Sweden's fixtures.
While the former is dealing with an ankle issue, which could see him sidelined for a period, the latter has a thigh problem that has been described as "minor", at least bringing some hope to the idea that he could be available to face Man City at the weekend.
Liverpool may be sweating over the fitness of the duo, but Iraola is set to be boosted by the safe return of seven stars already from international duty.
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The Netherlands trio of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Jeremie Frimpong all seemingly managed to get through their run of four games for the Oranje without any injury troubles.
Virgil van Dijk of the Netherlands wearing a shirt showing the number 100 of international matches he has played for the Netherlands so far during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A2 MD4 match between Netherlands and Serbia
Virgil van Dijk made his 100th appearance for the Netherlands national team(Image: (Photo by Dijks Media/MB Media/Getty Images))
Van Dijk played all four games for his nation in an 11-day period, which may raise some alarm back on Merseyside, but there is now a chance for him to rest before the weekend's action. Gravenberch played the majority of minutes across the four games, while Frimpong wasn't involved at all, meaning they should be relatively fresh upon returning.
Florian Wirtz is also set to return after featuring in three games for Germany, one as a substitute and two as a starter for Jurgen Klopp. The playmaker appeared to pick up some momentum with a goal on international duty, while he also captained his side twice during his two starts.
Both Kostas Tsimikas and Lewis Koumas also return after playing important roles for Greece and Wales, respectively, with the duo looking ahead to landing more minutes for Liverpool in the coming weeks.
Rounding off the latest returnees is Milos Kerkez, who is set to leave the Hungary group earlier than anticipated. In his three appearances for his nation, the left-back picked up two yellow cards, enough for a suspension that means he is unavailable for the side's fourth and final match of the break against Ukraine.
While that may come as a blow to Hungary, it is a boost for Liverpool, which knows the left-back should be fit and available for the coming challenge of Man City.
There are more stars to come, with several games taking place over Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with Iraola keeping everything crossed that the remaining players on international break can get through their matches unscathed.