Liverpool are dealing with several injury concerns during the extended international break, with the Reds not back in action until next month when they face Manchester City in the Premier League. Andoni Iraola oversaw a 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the top flight last week in Liverpool's final match before the break, a victory that moved the Reds up to sixth in the table after the opening five matches.
Alexander Isak suffers minor injury
Alexander Isak has been withdrawn from the Sweden squad for the country's upcoming round of matches during the international break. Sweden have confirmed that Isak has suffered a "minor injury" and will no longer be available for the rest of the international, with the striker now returning to Liverpool to undergo further assessment.
Isak featured for Sweden in their 2-1 win over Romania in the Nations League earlier this week, where he opened the scoring in the victory. "The striker will not be involved in Sweden's three remaining fixtures in the current international break and will now be assessed by club medical staff at the AXA Training Centre," a Liverpool statement read.
It now remains to be seen if Isak will be available for Liverpool's first match after the international break, which will see them face Man City on October 11. Potential return date: Man City (H) - October 11 - Premier League.
Ekitike and Leoni recovery updates
Hugo Ekitike has been recovering from an Achilles' injury that he suffered back in April and is still several months away from returning. Liverpool named Ekitike in their Champions League squad, despite the injury, with Iraola confirming earlier this month that he hopes to have the striker available in January.
"I think it's difficult with these long-term injuries, I think he's still far [away]," Iraola said. "But we had a meeting with the medical department to analyse when we completed the [squad] list for the European games. There is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the group stages. But it's still very early to say. It's very early because it's a long-term injury [and] a big part of the rehab [he] is still to meet. But if we decide to put him there, it is because there is a hope and there is a realistic chance that he could help us in January." Potential return date: January.
Giovanni Leoni is nearing the end of his recovery from an ACL injury he suffered on debut for Liverpool in September last year. Iraola confirmed earlier this month that he hopes to welcome Leoni back into first-team training during the international break, but it remains to be seen when that will lead to minutes on the pitch. "I think the plan is also to start training during the break, with the group," Iraola said. Potential return date: October/November.
Bradley and Chiesa still on the sidelines
Conor Bradley is recovering from a serious knee injury he suffered back in January, and there remains no clear timeframe for when the right-back will return to the first-team squad. Iraola admitted earlier this month that he does not expect Bradley to return to the matchday squad anytime soon. "I think he is not close to training with the team," Iraola said earlier this month. "He's training alone but he has started touching the ball. Definitely I want him as quick as possible ready but it's a long-term injury." Potential return date: Unknown.
Federico Chiesa is yet to make an appearance for Liverpool this season due to an injury he suffered before the campaign began. Iraola confirmed earlier this month that he hopes to have Chiesa back in training during the international break, but when that will lead to minutes on the pitch remains unclear. Potential return date: October.
