Liverpool Team News: Eight Players Could Miss Champions League Trip to LASK
Liverpool face a potentially difficult selection headache ahead of their Champions League trip to LASK, with eight players either unavailable, injured or ineligible for Wednesday’s encounter in Austria. Andoni Iraola’s side need a response following their disappointing defeat to Manchester City, although mounting fitness concerns could complicate preparations.
The Reds travel to Linz for their first away fixture of the 2026/27 Champions League campaign, with kick off scheduled for 5.45pm UK time on Wednesday, October 14.
Liverpool Team News: Injury Concerns Mount
Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday brought Iraola’s unbeaten start in charge to an abrupt end. Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki scored for the visitors, while Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal made Liverpool’s task considerably harder.
The result followed an encouraging opening five Premier League matches under Iraola, during which Liverpool recorded two victories and three draws. Attention now turns to Europe, where the Merseyside club will look to build on their opening 2-0 Champions League victory against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
However, the Liverpool manager faces several important decisions over the fitness of his squad, with the trip to Austria arriving at an awkward point in the schedule.
Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike remain unavailable because of long term injuries. Leoni is approaching a return to team training after spending more than a year recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, offering some encouragement for the weeks ahead.
Isak, Gakpo and Szoboszlai Fitness Update
Liverpool’s immediate concerns centre on Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, all of whom missed the Manchester City defeat after sustaining injuries during the September and October international break.
Iraola has attempted to play down the severity of their respective problems, although his post match comments offered little reassurance ahead of Wednesday’s fixture. The Liverpool head coach acknowledged that it would be a surprise if any of the three recovered in time to face LASK.
Their potential absence would leave Liverpool short of established options across several areas of the pitch. Isak provides a central attacking threat, Gakpo offers versatility across the forward line, while Szoboszlai’s energy and ability to operate in midfield make him an important tactical option.
With a demanding European fixture approaching, Liverpool will need to assess their condition carefully before making a final decision on selection.
Chiesa and Endo Ineligible for LASK Clash
Liverpool’s selection problems are compounded by the absence of Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo, neither of whom was included in the club’s 25 man squad for the first half of the Champions League campaign.
Iraola instead selected Ekitike for the European squad, despite the forward’s current injury problems. Consequently, neither Chiesa nor Endo can provide additional cover against LASK.
If Isak, Gakpo and Szoboszlai remain unavailable, Liverpool could have just 15 senior outfield players who have featured in the Premier League this season available for selection.
LASK Provide Liverpool With European Test
LASK currently sit third in the Austrian Bundesliga and will have an opportunity to test Liverpool’s depth at a time when injuries are restricting Iraola’s options.
Liverpool will still be expected to approach the contest with the intention of collecting three valuable Champions League points. Their opening victory over Atletico Madrid provides a platform, but Wednesday’s match will demand concentration, effective squad management and a measured response to the setback against Manchester City.
For Iraola, the immediate priority is establishing which players are fit enough to travel. Liverpool’s team news could prove decisive in determining how aggressively they approach their first Champions League away fixture of the season.
