Andoni Iraola is set to reunite with the Liverpool players who have been away on international duty, with updates on Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet awaited
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool is sweating on injury problems sustained by Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet during the international break, heading into a crucial period for Andoni Iraola.
Starting with the visit of Manchester City this weekend, the Reds will play nine games before the November internationals. Liverpool will also face LASK, Brentford, Villarreal, Brighton, Chelsea (Carabao Cup), Arsenal, Fenerbahce and Crystal Palace.
It was not all bad news, though. Ronald Araujo, who might need to step into his preferred center-back berth should Jacquet be sidelined for a spell, was rested by Uruguay as it beat India 6-1 in a friendly.
Trey Nyoni was also an unused subsitute for England U21s in a 3-1 defeat to Ireland. The young midfielder could get a few chances in the next few weeks.
Earlier in the week, Milos Kerkez was also given an extra rest. He was suspended as Hungary beat Ukraine, though Dominik Szoboszlai played his fourth game of the international break.
Florian Wirtz got the boost of scoring for Germany — and captaining Jurgen Klopp's side — while Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz's roles for England and Spain respectively grew.
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Florian Wirtz and Jurgen Klopp after Greece vs Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
Florian Wirtz and Jurgen Klopp after Greece vs Germany in the UEFA Nations League.(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Ngumoha was brought on twice by Thomas Tuchel, and Munoz came on three times for his national side too. Both players have been beneficiaries of the September and October internationals being combined.
On Wirtz, Klopp said at the start of the international break: "When you look at the full context, you will find that Florian joined Liverpool at an absolutely unfavorable time related to the death of Diogo Jota.
"He joined a team whose players' priority at that time was not football, which is very understandable. He learned a lot from his first year. Now there is a new season under the leadership of a new coach. He is delivering a very good level physically, and the team has begun to regain its cohesion once again.
"Attacking players always need a team that works well around them. And anyone who loves football can still see how outstanding Wirtz is as a player."
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Lewis Koumas is another whose role expanded, as he started three times — and came on as a substitute once — for Wales under Craig Bellamy.
In total, 18 senior Liverpool players were away during the international break. While some major ones have picked injury concerns, Iraola can be pleased with the output of some of the others.
Liverpool.com says: Setbacks for Isak, Gakpo and Jacquet would be a huge blow ahead of a massive period. Losing any of the three, even for a couple of fixtures, would be significant.
The Reds went into the new season with a small group, and needed to be fortunate on the injury front. Liverpool will be hoping that it it hasn't left itself too light.