Liverpool have received a major boost with reports suggesting that Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley could all return from injury and play significant roles during the current campaign.
The Reds ended the transfer window without signing a new right winger, midfielder or right-back, leaving manager Andoni Iraola with a relatively stretched squad. Liverpool did make a late attempt to bring in Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto on loan, but the move ultimately failed to materialise.
As a result, Liverpool will now have to rely heavily on the players already available while waiting for their injured stars to recover.
According to reports from The Times, Liverpool expect Ekitike, Leoni and Bradley to feature for a sizeable part of the season, despite their current injury problems.
The three players have endured lengthy spells on the sidelines. Ekitike has been out since April, Bradley has been unavailable since the beginning of the year, while Leoni has reportedly been sidelined since September last year.
Leoni appears to be the closest to returning, although Liverpool are expected to take a cautious approach and avoid rushing him back before he is fully ready.
Ekitike could reportedly be back around Christmas, giving Liverpool another attacking option during the second half of the campaign.
Bradley remains the biggest uncertainty. There have been limited updates regarding his recovery, making it difficult to determine exactly when he will return.
His potential comeback, however, could prove particularly important following Liverpool’s failure to sign another right-back before the transfer window closed.
With the season now underway, Liverpool will be hoping their injury-hit players can make successful recoveries and provide Iraola with the additional quality and depth he needs.
For the Reds, the return of Ekitike, Leoni and Bradley could feel like three major new signings at different stages of the season.
