Liverpool and Atletico Madrid will both be missing key personnel when they meet in the Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday evening. The Reds are aiming to start their European campaign with a win after Andoni Iraola secured his first victory as Liverpool boss in Friday's 2-0 Premier League triumph over Ipswich Town.
Liverpool's injury concerns
Cody Gakpo, who has impressed at the start of the season despite summer transfer speculation, is now a serious doubt after missing training. The Dutchman has forged a strong partnership with Alexander Isak and would be a significant loss, having already contributed one goal and three assists this campaign.
Hugo Ekitike remains a long-term casualty for Liverpool as he continues his rehabilitation from a serious Achilles' injury sustained back in April. Conor Bradley is another long-term absentee under Iraola, with the right-back still recovering from a knee injury he picked up in January.
Giovanni Leoni will also be absent as he enters the final stages of his recovery from a knee injury suffered in September last year. Joe Gomez, however, has returned to training and could feature in the squad on Wednesday.
Atletico's absentees
Federico Chiesa is yet to make an appearance for Liverpool this season, with the Italy international also omitted from the Reds' Champions League squad, while Wataru Endo finds himself absent for identical reasons.
For Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone will similarly be dealing with a number of absentees when he brings his side to Merseyside. Alexander Sorloth looks set to miss out for the La Liga club owing to a muscle injury that has kept the striker firmly on the treatment table.
Atletico will also be without Arnau Ortiz, who faces a suspension following a red card received during his last European appearance, which dates back to August 2024 in a UEFA Conference League qualifying fixture.
