Liverpool could be without as many as 11 players for their Premier League opener at Newcastle United on Sunday, with four senior players definitely ruled out and several others doubtful.
Confirmed absentees
Forward Hugo Ekitike is unlikely to feature again this calendar year after suffering a serious Achilles injury in early April. Right-back Conor Bradley continues to recover from major knee damage sustained at Arsenal in early January. Centre-back Giovanni Leoni is nearing a return to first-team training after being sidelined since last September with an ACL injury, while defender Joe Gomez picked up a muscle complaint in the opening pre-season friendly against Sunderland.
Doubts and other concerns
Midfielder Curtis Jones, subject of transfer interest from Inter, has missed the last two weekends with a hip problem. Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was absent from both friendlies against Como on Sunday due to an injury nursed throughout pre-season. Young striker Jayden Danns and midfielder Stefan Bajcetic are also unavailable with muscle problems.
Newcastle also have injury concerns. Midfielder Joelinton is out for several weeks with an undisclosed issue, while defenders Valentino Livramento and Fabian Schar are rated doubtful for the visit of Liverpool.
