There is still no fitness update from the club on Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai ahead of Saturday’s 3pm trip to Brentford. Ryan Gravenberch is banned, while Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are back in contention.
The Athletic’s James Pearce reports that Julian Ward is in the sporting director’s role for the long term, and Deadline says Jude Law is set to play Bill Shankly in A24’s drama series.
Injured trio still in doubt
Nothing has changed since Andoni Iraola’s Thursday press conference. Isak (thigh), Gakpo (ankle) and Szoboszlai (hamstring) have not been ruled out, with Iraola saying he would “leave the chance open this time” after Friday’s training. Ryan Gravenberch serves a one-match ban, while Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo come back into contention after being ineligible for the Champions League win at LASK. Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitiké and Giovanni Leoni remain long-term absentees.
Ward in for the long haul, says Athletic
The Athletic’s James Pearce reports that Julian Ward is a long-term appointment as sporting director and that Liverpool want partnerships with clubs in mainland Europe to help bring through young players. Pearce also expects a quiet January window, with Ekitiké, Bradley and Leoni due back from injury. No other outlet has reported the partnership plans so far.
Jude Law lined up to play Shankly
Deadline reports that Law is lined up to portray Shankly in the series written by Liverpool supporter Jack Thorne, whose credits include Adolescence. Thorne has written the first two episodes, and the series is being developed with Box To Box and the club, with filming planned in Liverpool and at Anfield. Shankly’s granddaughter, Karen Gill, is involved to help ensure historical accuracy.
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner told Deadline his team have begun talks with broadcasters and streaming services, and suggested it could become a series comparable in scope to The Crown. “It’s a story about family and relationships through the lens of a football club,” he said. Werner added that a second run of episodes could address the Hillsborough disaster, should the first series prove successful.
Third kit at Brentford
Liverpool will wear their black and maroon adidas third kit at the Gtech Community Stadium, the club confirmed, because of Brentford’s red and white home colours. John Brooks referees the 3pm kick-off, which is not live on UK TV. LFCTV’s Matchday Live starts at 1.45pm with audio commentary.
Transfers
Nothing new from David Ornstein today, and nothing significant from Paul Joyce beyond an article on Liverpool’s young guns. There’s no fresh development on Alex Scott.
Fixtures (UK times)
Saturday 17 October: Brentford v Liverpool, 3pm
Tuesday 20 October: Liverpool v Villarreal, Champions League, 8pm
Sunday 25 October: Liverpool v Brighton, 2pm
Wednesday 28 October: Liverpool v Chelsea, Carabao Cup fourth round, 8pm