Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola at a press conference.
Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola at a press conference.
Andoni Iraola has provided an update on Liverpool’s fitness concerns ahead of their Carabao Cup fourth-round clash with Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday.
Liverpool head into the fixture on the back of four consecutive victories, having most recently beaten Brighton 2-0 at Anfield. They reached the fourth round with a 3-1 win over Tottenham.
Chelsea, meanwhile, suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Saturday. Cole Palmer was sent off during that match and is suspended for Wednesday’s fixture, while Emiliano Martinez and Reece James are also listed as absentees.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield for the first time in his current role, having guided his side to a 6-3 victory over Leeds United in the previous round.
Liverpool host Chelsea at 8pm, with Florian Wirtz expected to be available for selection. However, Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz are unlikely to feature.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Iraola said Wirtz was feeling fine and remained optimistic about being available for the tie.
“We still have to wait. We train later. Florian [Wirtz] was quite fine and optimistic he would be available,” the Liverpool boss said.
However, Iraola was less optimistic about Szoboszlai and Munoz, admitting that both players face a tougher race to be fit for the match.
“And with Dom and Victor, I’m not so sure. I don’t want to say no, but I think it’s more difficult than Florian,” he added.
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Xabi Alonso of Chelsea FC team in action during Hong Kong Football Festival, Chelsea FC press conference at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on August 4, 2026.
Xabi Alonso of Chelsea FC team in action during Hong Kong Football Festival, Chelsea FC press conference at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on August 4, 2026.