The Premier League season is upon us, and Liverpool FC is facing a challenging start with a host of injury concerns. The appointment of Andoni Iraola as manager has not been without its challenges, as the club has been unable to secure the summer signings he desired. This has left certain areas of the pitch looking a bit thin, and injuries are not helping the cause. Despite these setbacks, Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Como ended in a 2-0 victory, with Jeremy Jacquet scoring on his debut after recovering from a serious shoulder injury. However, the real focus is on the players who are currently sidelined and their potential return dates.
Conor Bradley
The right-back has been out of action since January due to a serious knee injury sustained against Arsenal. This injury required surgery, and his recovery is still a long way off. He has not featured in any pre-season friendlies, with Jeremie Frimpong and Calvin Ramsay taking his place at right-back against Como. The club has also signed Ronald Araujo to fill in at that position. With a potential return date of Winter 2026, Bradley's absence is expected to persist for some time.
Hugo Ekitike
The French striker made an impressive start to his Liverpool career, scoring 11 goals in 28 Premier League games and three in the Champions League. However, his season was cut short when he ruptured his Achilles in April, and he has not played since. Iraola has indicated that Ekitike's return will take months, ranking him as the last among the long-term absentees. With a potential return date of Winter 2026, the striker's absence is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Curtis Jones
Jones, a midfielder, was notably absent from the friendlies against Como, with reports suggesting he was nursing a hip injury. The rumour mill has also been busy, linking him with a move to Inter Milan. Iraola, however, remained positive about Jones' return, stating that he has been training consistently but had to be rested due to hip issues. The manager expressed confidence in Jones' quick return, with a potential date of August 23rd against Newcastle. This positive outlook is a welcome development for the club.
Giovanni Leoni
Leoni, an Italian defender, had a nightmare debut last summer when he tore his ACL during a Carabao Cup match against Southampton. This injury ruled him out for the entire first season in England, but Iraola believes he is now closing in on a comeback. The manager indicated that Leoni is the closest to returning among the injured players, with a potential return date in Autumn 2026. This is a significant development for the club's defense.
Joe Gomez
Gomez, another player plagued by injuries, suffered a muscle injury during the Reds' first pre-season friendly against Sunderland in Nashville. Iraola confirmed the injury and estimated a recovery period of one month. However, he also acknowledged that Gomez's return might be delayed due to the nature of muscle injuries. With a potential return date of September 4th against Ipswich, the club is optimistic about his recovery, but the timeline remains uncertain.
In summary, Liverpool FC is facing a challenging start to the season with a number of key players sidelined. The potential return dates for these players are crucial for the club's success, and Iraola's management will be put to the test as he navigates these injury concerns.
