Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has provided an encouraging update on the fitness of several injured players, with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni appearing to be the closest to making their returns.
The Reds have started the new campaign with a number of players unavailable through injury. Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley are both facing longer spells on the sidelines due to serious Achilles and knee problems, while Leoni has been recovering from an ACL injury suffered almost a year ago. Gomez, meanwhile, picked up an injury during Liverpool’s opening pre-season friendly against Sunderland in July.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League match against Ipswich, Iraola gave an update on the injured quartet and revealed that Gomez is the nearest to returning.
According to the Liverpool boss, Gomez is expected to begin training with the squad next week. Leoni could also make progress during the upcoming international break and may be able to join group training. However, Iraola confirmed that Bradley and Ekitike will need more time before they are ready to return.
Gomez’s potential return to training could put him in contention for Liverpool’s match against Fulham on September 12 or the Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham three days later, depending on how quickly he regains full fitness.
There is also growing optimism surrounding Leoni. The Italian defender has spent almost a year out of action, but a possible return to team training during the international break could give him a chance of being available when domestic football resumes in the second week of October.
However, Liverpool are unlikely to rush the teenager back into action after such a lengthy absence. He will probably be eased back gradually to help him rebuild his fitness and sharpness before being considered for regular first-team involvement.
The return of Gomez and Leoni would provide Iraola with a major boost in defence. If no further injuries occur, the Liverpool manager could soon have as many as five centre-backs available, giving him far greater options as the fixture list becomes increasingly demanding.
With domestic and European commitments set to create a busy schedule later in the season, having greater squad depth will be crucial. For now, Liverpool’s injury situation is not considered a major crisis, but the team’s resources are likely to be tested once the number of matches begins to increase.
