For once, Liverpool fans have a little bit of hope on the injury front.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak have all missed Liverpool’s last two matches, and losing three important players at the same time is the last thing Andoni Iraola needed.
But ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford, the Liverpool manager has refused to rule any of them out.
“We have to wait and see,” was Iraola’s message as Liverpool continue to assess the trio ahead of the weekend.
That is hardly a guarantee that they will be available, but at least the door remains open.
And after the problems Liverpool have had recently, I’ll take that.
Three players Liverpool could really do with
Let’s be honest, these are not three players Liverpool can comfortably afford to lose for long periods.
Szoboszlai has become an important part of Iraola’s midfield. His energy, pressing and willingness to drive forward give Liverpool something different, while his ability to contribute goals makes him even more valuable.
His absence has been particularly frustrating because Liverpool need that intensity in the middle of the pitch. The Reds cannot afford to let matches become too comfortable for their opponents, and Szoboszlai is one of the players who can help set the tempo.
Then there is Gakpo.
I’ve been really pleased with his performances this season, and I was disappointed to hear that he had picked up an ankle injury while away with the Netherlands.
He has looked more confident and direct under Iraola, and his work in the attacking third has become increasingly important. Liverpool need players who can carry the ball, create opportunities and make things happen when matches become difficult.
Isak’s situation is just as important.
Liverpool brought him to Anfield to provide goals, movement and a genuine threat through the middle. He has already shown what he can offer, and having him available would give Iraola another option rather than forcing him to keep reshaping the attack.
Getting even one of these three back would be useful. Getting all three back would be a huge lift.
Iraola is keeping his options open
The encouraging part of the latest update is that Iraola has not closed the door on Saturday.
He explained that the players had not been ready for Wednesday’s Champions League match against LASK, but Liverpool still had another training session before the Brentford game.
The manager wants to see how they respond before making a final decision.
That is sensible.
There is no point rushing somebody back for one match if it risks making an injury worse. Liverpool have a demanding schedule, with Villarreal visiting Anfield in the Champions League just a few days after the Brentford fixture.
I would rather see Iraola make the right decision for the player than gamble on somebody who is not ready.
But if any of the three can train properly and prove they are fit enough, their return would give Liverpool a welcome selection boost.
Liverpool have already shown they can cope
The 6-3 win over LASK was encouraging in attack, particularly after the disappointing defeat to Manchester City.
Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick, while Jeremie Frimpong and Lewis Koumas also found the net. It was a reminder that Liverpool have other players capable of making an impact when opportunities arrive.
Koumas deserves credit for taking his chance, and Barcola’s performance will have done his confidence a world of good.
However, I would not want Liverpool to become too comfortable with the idea that they can keep losing senior players and simply expect somebody else to step in every time.
The schedule is relentless, and squad depth matters.
Having Isak, Gakpo and Szoboszlai available again would give Iraola more flexibility, more experience and more ways to change a game.
That matters particularly against a Brentford side who will make Liverpool work hard for everything.
Saturday could be a big test
Liverpool travel to Brentford on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm BST.
The Reds need to build some consistency after the setback against Manchester City, and the LASK victory at least restored some confidence in their attacking play.
But the Premier League is a different challenge.
Liverpool will need to be sharp, organised and prepared for a physical contest. Having more of their first-choice players available would obviously help, especially with another European fixture coming up so quickly afterwards.
Iraola has already spoken about the need to rotate during this busy spell. He knows Liverpool will need everybody to contribute over the coming weeks.
That makes this injury update important, even if it is not yet the definitive good news supporters want.
Fingers crossed for Liverpool
I’m not getting carried away just yet.
“Wait and see” means exactly that. None of us should assume that Szoboszlai, Gakpo or Isak will definitely play against Brentford.
But there is a difference between ruling players out and giving them a chance to prove themselves fit.
For now, Liverpool still have that chance.
Hopefully, the final training session brings some positive signs and Iraola has a few more options when he names his squad.
Liverpool need their best players available, and these three would make a real difference.
Fingers crossed that at least one of them is ready to return on Saturday.
And if all three make it? That would be a very welcome boost indeed.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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