Liverpool head into Wednesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Chelsea at Anfield on the back of four consecutive wins across competitions, but Andoni Iraola still faces selection problems as injuries threaten his plans for another demanding week.
The Reds beat Brighton 2-0 on Sunday, strengthening their position in the Premier League’s top four. They have collected 15 points from eight league matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding eight. Their Champions League campaign has brought three wins from three, although Iraola must manage his squad carefully during a busy run of fixtures.
With Chelsea next on the schedule, the manager must assess which players can contribute without risking further injuries. Seven players currently feature on Liverpool’s injury list, with expected return dates ranging from late November to January.
Liverpool injury news and expected return dates
Florian Wirtz is listed as doubtful after a knock, leaving his availability for Chelsea uncertain. Víctor Muñoz also remains doubtful, giving Iraola two late decisions to make before the cup tie.
Conor Bradley faces a longer absence with a knee injury, and reports reveal early January 2027 as his expected return. Giovanni Leoni is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, with late November 2026 indicated as his target.
Jeremie Frimpong and Dominik Szoboszlai both have hamstring injuries. The supplied update places their expected returns in mid-November, meaning Liverpool may need to cover their positions for several more matches.
Hugo Ekitiké faces a similarly lengthy recovery, with an Achilles tendon injury expected to keep him out until early January 2027.
These dates remain estimates rather than confirmed return appointments. Liverpool’s medical staff must assess each player’s progress before approving a return to full training and competitive action.
How should Iraola manage Liverpool’s injury crisis?
Iraola should rotate carefully against Chelsea rather than risk aggravating existing injuries during a knockout match. Liverpool have won their last four games, but maintaining that run means little if key players suffer further setbacks.
Szoboszlai’s absence particularly affects the manager’s pressing system because the Hungarian provides energy, forward runs and defensive work in midfield. Mac Allister and Gravenberch can share those duties, while younger options such as Trey Nyoni could receive opportunities if the schedule demands rotation.
Wirtz’s status deserves close attention, too. If the German cannot play, Liverpool will need to create chances through Gakpo and their available wide attackers rather than force an unfit creator into the starting eleven.
Chelsea present a test of Liverpool’s squad depth, but Iraola must consider the wider schedule instead of treating Wednesday as an isolated fixture. The midfield has alternatives to cover Szoboszlai’s absence, while Bradley and Ekitiké require patience during their longer recoveries.
The priority should be to select the fittest available players, use the squad’s depth and refuse to rush anyone back simply to strengthen the team sheet. Liverpool can maintain their pressing intensity only if the players carrying the most physical load receive adequate recovery time.
