Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has left the door open for Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Dominik Szoboszlai to return from injury for Saturday's Premier League match at Brentford. The trio missed the midweek Champions League win over LASK Linz and the previous league defeat to Manchester City with problems picked up on international duty.
Iraola addressed their availability ahead of the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium. "It’s early for us to say, we have still tomorrow’s training," he told reporters. "Obviously, they were not ready for last night. We have to wait and see."
Injury context
The potential returns would be a significant boost for a Liverpool side that has struggled for consistency. The Reds currently sit ninth in the Premier League standings with nine points from six games, having scored 12 goals while conceding 13. Top scorer Alexander Isak, who has netted four of those goals, has been sidelined with a thigh issue. The absence of these key attacking players has been felt, with the team managing just one win in their last four league outings. A full update on all player availability can be found on the club's injuries page.
Brentford challenge
Liverpool face a quick turnaround, travelling to face fourth-placed Brentford fewer than 72 hours after their 6-3 victory in Austria. The Reds' recent form has been inconsistent, with that high-scoring win following a 3-0 home loss to Manchester City. The upcoming fixtures present a stern test, with Brentford having lost only once this season. Andoni Iraola, who managed Bournemouth until last year, will face his former counterpart Keith Andrews, now in charge at Brentford. Liverpool will assess the trio's fitness in a final training session before making a decision for the 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday. The match is a key opportunity for Liverpool to close the gap on the teams above them in the table.
