Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has provided an update on his squad’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brentford, with the Reds facing another demanding period of fixtures.
Liverpool travel to the Gtech Community Stadium following Wednesday’s 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK in Austria.
Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick, while Ronald Araujo, Jeremie Frimpong and Lewis Koumas also found the net in an impressive attacking display.
However, Liverpool’s defensive lapses and the demands of their schedule will give Iraola plenty to consider before the weekend.
The head coach addressed the media on Thursday, with the availability of Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak among the main talking points.
All three missed the trip to Austria after also sitting out Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, and their potential returns could be important as the Reds prepare for a busy run of matches.
Iraola has left the door open for the injured trio to feature against Brentford, but stressed that Liverpool must wait until the squad trains again before making a decision.
“It’s early for us to say, we have to train tomorrow. They were not ready so we have to wait and see. Early but like I said they were not ready for previous games, I leave the chance open,” Iraola said.
His comments suggest that the players’ availability remains uncertain, with Friday’s training session expected to provide a clearer indication of whether any of them can return.
The Liverpool boss has not confirmed that any member of the trio will be fit for the trip to west London.
Iraola was also asked about the possibility of Trey Nyoni stepping in for Ryan Gravenberch.
The Dutch midfielder is suspended for the Brentford fixture after being sent off against Manchester City, leaving Liverpool to consider their options in midfield.
The Liverpool head coach emphasised the importance of resting and being at their best during a demanding stretch of the campaign.
“It’s more difficult, we played last night, came here late, we didn’t sleep how we normally sleep but this is the challenge of playing. It is almost a constant this season so we have to adapt.”
“We have four days in between two games not normal but we have to adapt. We can rest some and give some minutes yesterday so I expect everyone to be at their best mentally and physically. We have to be ready for a battle,” he added.
Liverpool face Brentford on Saturday before returning to Champions League action against Villarreal next week.
With matches coming thick and fast, Iraola will be keen to manage his squad carefully while maintaining the momentum gained from the victory in Austria.
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