Liverpool head into their final preparations for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brentford with fitness doubts still hanging over Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Andoni Iraola has refused to rule out any of the three, with Friday’s training session expected to determine whether they can feature at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, expects to be available after a minor calf problem, although Ryan Gravenberch will miss the match through suspension.
There has been no further official fitness update from Liverpool this morning, with the club’s injury list still showing 12 October as its most recent update.
Iraola offers hope over Isak, Gakpo and Szoboszlai
Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference at the AXA Training Centre, Iraola suggested that Liverpool could welcome back some of their injured players against Brentford.
Isak (thigh), Gakpo (ankle) and Szoboszlai (hamstring) all missed Wednesday’s remarkable 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK, but none has been ruled out of Saturday’s encounter.
The Liverpool head coach admitted it was too early to make a decision, explaining that Friday’s training session would provide a clearer picture.
“We have to wait and see,” Iraola said, adding that unlike previous matches, when he had ruled players out in advance, he would “leave the chance open this time”.
With Liverpool facing Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday, Iraola also acknowledged the importance of managing his squad through a demanding run of fixtures.
He expects to rotate his starting XI against Brentford and again in midweek, stressing that “we need everyone”.
Gravenberch, however, is definitely unavailable as he serves a one-match suspension following his red card against Manchester City.
There was also an update on Giovanni Leoni, whose return to group training has been pushed back until the November international break.
Iraola insisted the revised timetable did not represent a setback, explaining that the defender’s injury “was not just an ACL”.
Van Dijk confident of facing Brentford
Virgil van Dijk expects to be fit for Saturday’s match despite still feeling the effects of a calf knock sustained against Manchester City.
The Liverpool captain was rested for the opening 62 minutes of Wednesday’s victory in Austria before coming off the bench.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Van Dijk explained that he had taken a small blow to his calf against City and was still recovering.
“I think I’ll be fine for Saturday,” he said.
The Dutchman also praised Bradley Barcola following the forward’s Champions League hat-trick against LASK.
Van Dijk described the achievement as “massive” for a naturally introverted player still finding his feet at Liverpool and was equally complimentary about the younger members of the squad who took their opportunities in Austria.
The Evening Standard also expects Van Dijk to return to Liverpool’s starting defence against Brentford.
Brentford v Liverpool: Match officials and TV coverage
John Brooks has been appointed referee for Saturday’s Premier League encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium.
He will be assisted by Neil Davies and Akil Howson, with Anthony Backhouse serving as fourth official. Darren England will oversee VAR.
Kick-off is at 3pm UK time, meaning the match will not be televised live in the United Kingdom due to the traditional Saturday afternoon broadcasting blackout.
Supporters can follow the action through Liverpool’s official channels.
The club’s Match Centre opens at midday on Saturday, while LFCTV’s Matchday Live coverage begins at 1.45pm, with live audio commentary available.
Liverpool transfers: No fresh developments overnight
There have been no significant new Liverpool transfer developments overnight, with neither David Ornstein nor Paul Joyce providing fresh updates on the club’s potential business.
The situation surrounding Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott remains unchanged.
BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that Bournemouth would be open to a January sale for a fee in the region of £100million, with Liverpool and Chelsea believed to retain an interest in the player.
However, there has been no credible report of a formal offer from either club.
There have also been no significant new developments concerning Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s ownership or investment arrangements, or first-team staffing.
Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures
All kick-off times are UK time.
Saturday 17 October: Brentford v Liverpool – Premier League, 3pm
Tuesday 20 October: Liverpool v Villarreal – Champions League, 8pm
Sunday 25 October: Liverpool v Brighton – Premier League, 2pm
Wednesday 28 October: Liverpool v Chelsea – Carabao Cup fourth round, 8pm
For now, Liverpool’s immediate focus is on Friday’s final training session and whether Iraola will have any of his injured trio available for Saturday’s visit to Brentford.