Liverpool could welcome back three injured players for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, with head coach Andoni Iraola refusing to rule out their involvement.
The trio has missed the Reds’ previous two matches after sustaining injuries during the September and October international breaks, but their potential return could provide a timely boost as Liverpool prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Iraola admitted it was too early to confirm whether the players would be available, pointing to the team’s final training session before the encounter.
“It’s early for us to say; we still have tomorrow’s training,” Iraola said. “Obviously, they were not ready for last night against LASK.
“We have to wait and see. I think it’s still very early, but the same way I said they are not available for the previous games, I leave the chance open this time, yes.”
Liverpool will face Brentford less than 72 hours after their Champions League victory over LASK in Austria, leaving limited time for recovery ahead of another important domestic fixture.
The demanding schedule has increased the need for squad rotation, with Iraola acknowledging that Liverpool will have to manage their players carefully over the coming weeks.
He explained that the decision to make changes against LASK was partly influenced by the packed fixture calendar, adding that further adjustments would be necessary against Brentford and in the subsequent meeting with Villarreal.
“In this period especially, when we are basically playing every three days, almost less than three days, you need more players. That’s why we changed the team a little bit yesterday,” he said.
“We will need to change again at the weekend; we will need to change again when we face Villarreal in another three days.
“We need everyone, we will need everyone at one moment or another. Everyone has to be ready because we will need him probably.”
Iraola’s comments underline the importance of squad depth as Liverpool navigate a congested schedule across domestic and European competitions.
The possible return of the three injured players would give the coaching staff additional options, although their availability will depend on how they respond during training.
With Brentford next on the agenda and Villarreal following shortly afterwards, Liverpool will be hoping to have as many players fit as possible as they look to maintain their momentum during a crucial stretch of the season.
