Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola does not expect key forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, alongside midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, to be sidelined for an extended period, though they are unlikely to return before the Reds' upcoming fixture.
On Wednesday, the Reds face a Champions League journey to LASK in Austria, with Iraola acknowledging after the comprehensive defeat at the hands of Manchester City this weekend that the trio faces a battle against the clock due to the brief turnaround. Without Isak and Gakpo, Liverpool appeared toothless going forward. Lewis Koumas deputised reasonably well, yet Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz both struggled on a disappointing afternoon for the Reds.
Iraola's update on injured trio
"It'll be difficult because it's two days (but) you never know," Iraola told Sky Sports post-match. "They are not too big injuries but we travel to Austria in two days. It will be difficult to be ready for the next one."
Subsequently, during his post-match press conference at Anfield, Iraola elaborated on the problem that prevented Szoboszlai from featuring after his four appearances for Hungary during the international break.
"Dom came from the national team (with) tiredness (and) overload," the Spaniard explained. "We put him as a floater in the training session, try to protect him, but he was not feeling (perfect).
"(It is) something very small. But it's true that now we play four games in 10 days. So it's going to be difficult, because now we fly to Austria in two days. So I think it's going to be difficult to recover any of the players."
Gravenberch red card impact
Liverpool face another eight fixtures before the November international break. Both Isak and Gakpo withdrew during the extended Nations League schedule.
As well as missing the attacking duo, Liverpool were also hampered by Ryan Gravenberch's second-half dismissal.
"The first one is not a yellow," Iraola maintained. "Elliot Anderson carries on a couple of steps; he wasn't even going to give a foul. I've no idea why he gives a yellow card. We have like nine players behind the ball.
"It's already difficult to press them when it's 11 vs 11, but with one less, it becomes a different game and then we concede straight away before making a substitution. You have to play differently when you're 1-0 down.
"(Gravenberch) played really well today. He was carrying the ball very well and defending very well. I feel very proud of the players today. It was not easy. They have been at the level in terms of intensity and winning duels.
"The supporters today have been top-level. Exemplary from the beginning when we arrive. The red card was in our best moment. Even after, they valued the effort of the players."
