Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has given an injury update ahead of the clash with Brentford this weekend
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has given an injury update ahead of the clash with Brentford this weekend.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has given an injury update ahead of the clash with Brentford this weekend.(Image: Liverpool FC)
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Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola says it's still too early to say whether Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo or Alexander Isak would be available for selection this weekend against Brentford. The trio missed the Reds' resounding 6-3 win over LASK in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but their injuries aren't major concerns.
The Reds take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium this weekend looking to respond from the disappointing defeat to Manchester City at the weekend. Iroala's side were beaten 3-0 by Enzo Maresca's outfit, and dealt the further blow of Ryan Gravenberch being shown a red card, making him inelligible for the trip to London.
Speaking at his press conference about injuries ahead of Liverpool's clash with Brentford this weekend, Iraola said: "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. Nyoni for Gravenberch? In this period especially, playing every three days, you need more players and that is why we change yesterday.
"We need to change Brentford and then Villarreal too. We need everyone, they need to be ready."
One star who has benefited from Isak's injury is youngster Lewis Koumas, who scored the Reds' last goal of the evening against LASK during the week.
"He deserves the minutes," Iraola said when asked about the youngster. "We are using him more because Isak is injured but if I wasn't comfortable then I have other options.
"He knows he is ready to learn and be the best player he can be. He had a lovely moment y'day, two goals disallowed and finally score the third one. A lovely moment for him."
Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton
Giovanni Leoni has been out with an ACL injury(Image: (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))
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Iraola also offered an update on defender Giovanni Leoni, who has been out for over a year following an ACL injury.
The young Italian had been expected to return to action sometime this month, but the Reds boss has revealed a new timeline for his return to action.
"It's taking more time than we wanted," Iraola said: "With Leo, the plan was to train in the international break but it will be the next one, so we have lost one month of progress.
"It was not just an ACL, it was a bad injury, a lot of areas around the knee. That process has to be very careful and we want to be careful when he returns to the team he stays in a good place.
"So the plan now is he starts in the next break. Later than we expected."