Liverpool F.C. Face a mounting injury crisis ahead of their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night. Eight players could miss the important European fixture, with forward Cody Gakpo becoming the latest doubt after sitting out Tuesday's training session. Daily Mirror Football first reported the story.
Andoni Iraola oversaw his first win as Liverpool boss last week, with the Merseyside outfit securing a 2-0 victory away at Ipswich Town in the Premier League. That result leaves Liverpool sixth in the table with five points from three games, a record of one win and two draws. They have scored six goals while conceding four this season, giving them a positive goal difference of two. The club currently sits four points behind early leaders Manchester City.
Cody Gakpo is a doubt for Liverpool after the Netherlands international missed training on Tuesday, although his absence was understood to be as a precaution rather than something which will definitely rule him out. He joins a lengthy list of unavailable players. Hugo Ekitike remains a long-term absentee as he recovers from an Achilles injury sustained back in April.
Defender Joe Gomez is sidelined with a hamstring problem picked up in the opening minutes of Liverpool's first pre-season fixture. Conor Bradley continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury suffered in January. Youngster Giovanni Leoni is also absent, in the final stages of his own recovery from a knee issue that occurred in September last year. The club's current injuries page reflects these ongoing fitness concerns.
Two senior players are omitted from Liverpool's Champions League squad entirely. Federico Chiesa has not made an appearance for the club this season and will play no part in the European campaign. Wataru Endo is unavailable for the same reasons as Chiesa, leaving significant gaps in Iraola's selection options.
This comes at a time when Liverpool need all hands on deck. Their next Premier League fixture sees them host Fulham on September 12th. Fulham currently sit 19th in the table, presenting an opportunity for Liverpool to build momentum. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings as the season develops.
Diego Simeone will lead Atletico Madrid to Merseyside this week, but he is also dealing with his own squad issues. Striker Alexander Sorloth is set to miss out with a muscle complaint. Defender Arnau Ortiz faces a suspension following a red card received in a UEFA Conference League qualifying match back in August 2024.
Despite these absences, Atletico will pose a formidable challenge. Liverpool's defensive record of four goals conceded in three league games will be tested by the Spanish side's attack. The Reds' recent form reads WDD, showing resilience but also a need for more consistent victories.
The potential absence of eight players stretches Liverpool's resources thin across multiple positions. It impacts both defense, with Gomez and Bradley out, and attack, with Gakpo and Ekitike sidelined. The omissions of Chiesa and Endo from the European squad further limit Iraola's tactical flexibility for this specific competition.
This situation places greater responsibility on the remaining fit senior players and may force opportunities for academy talents. Managing this period will be a key early test for the new manager. Supporters can view the full available squad list to see who might step up.
Liverpool host Atletico Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League on Wednesday, before turning their attention to a home league match against Fulham on September 12th.
