Eight Liverpool players set to miss Newcastle Premier League opener

Eight Liverpool players are expected to be unavailable when the champions begin their Premier League campaign against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Liverpool’s preparations have been complicated by a collection of injuries, while the fitness of Federico Chiesa has introduced another element of uncertainty before the journey to the North East. Newcastle have problems of their own, leaving both new head coaches with difficult decisions ahead of their first competitive assignments.

The match will begin a new chapter for the two clubs. Andoni Iraola is preparing to take charge of Liverpool in the Premier League for the first time, while Matthias Jaissle will make his competitive bow as Newcastle head coach.

Alexander Isak’s return to St James’ Park adds another compelling thread to an occasion already carrying the tension associated with an opening weekend.

Eight Liverpool players unavailable for Newcastle trip

Liverpool will travel without Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez, all of whom remain sidelined by injury.

Curtis Jones and Freddie Woodman are considered doubts, while Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajcetic are also unavailable. Collectively, those absences mean Iraola may be missing eight Liverpool players as he attempts to make a winning start.

Chiesa could increase that number. The Italian forward was not involved in training on Wednesday, placing his availability for Sunday’s match in doubt. His absence would reduce Liverpool’s attacking options at a time when Ekitike is already unable to feature.

Opening fixtures can often be awkward, particularly following a summer of tactical changes and fluctuating player fitness. Liverpool must also negotiate the hostility of St James’ Park, where Newcastle are capable of turning an early spell of pressure into sustained momentum.

Squad depth will therefore be tested immediately. Iraola may need to place greater responsibility on younger members of the group or adjust his preferred system to accommodate the players available.

Joe Gomez injury creates defensive concern

Gomez’s absence is particularly significant because of his versatility. The defender can operate centrally or at full-back, making him a useful option whenever injuries disrupt the balance of Liverpool’s back line.

Iraola confirmed that Gomez had suffered a muscle problem and was unlikely to recover before the campaign began.

“Joe has a muscle injury,” Iraola said. “I think it was quite clear since he complained straight away, so it will depend how he evolves, but he will be some weeks off.”

The Liverpool head coach suggested that a recovery period of approximately a month represented a sensible initial estimate, although the precise timetable will depend on how Gomez responds to treatment.

“It’s not massive, it’s a normal muscle injury, but I think it’s going to be impossible to have him for the start of the season because we are not so far away,” Iraola added. “It shouldn’t be a lot more.”

Without Gomez, Bradley and Leoni, Liverpool’s defensive resources appear unusually stretched. That could influence Iraola’s selection as well as the level of freedom granted to his full-backs against a Newcastle side expected to attack with speed and aggression.

Newcastle fitness doubts offer Liverpool encouragement

Newcastle will not approach the contest with a fully fit squad either. Joelinton has been ruled out for several weeks, depriving Jaissle of one of the side’s most forceful midfielders.

Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento are also doubts. Schar’s possible absence would affect the hosts’ defensive organisation, while Livramento’s condition will be monitored closely after a difficult period with injuries.

The 23-year-old endured an interrupted 2025-26 season before earning a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. An injury suffered in mid-June forced him to withdraw, but he has since returned to full first-team training following an extensive rehabilitation programme.

That return allows Jaissle to assess the former Southampton defender alongside Amar Dedic, Newcastle’s new right-back. Even so, a return to training does not necessarily mean Livramento is ready to start a demanding Premier League fixture.

For Liverpool, Joelinton’s absence could prove important. His physical presence, ability to regain possession and willingness to carry the ball make him central to Newcastle’s intensity. Without him, the visitors may find more room to establish control in midfield.

Strong record gives Liverpool confidence at St James’ Park

Liverpool’s recent record against Newcastle provides grounds for optimism despite their personnel problems. They are unbeaten in their past 19 Premier League meetings with the Magpies, winning 14 and drawing five.

Iraola also possesses an encouraging personal record against Sunday’s opponents. During his time with Bournemouth, he avoided defeat in all six of his league encounters with Newcastle.

History will offer reassurance, but it cannot guarantee another favourable result. This is a new season under different managers, with both squads adapting to fresh demands. St James’ Park will also be primed for an occasion shaped by managerial debuts and Isak’s return.

Liverpool’s challenge is to prevent their injury list from defining the afternoon. Eight Liverpool players may be unavailable, and Chiesa could become a ninth concern, but the remaining squad still contains enough quality to impose itself.

For Iraola, victory would provide an immediate sense of direction. For Jaissle and Newcastle, ending Liverpool’s long unbeaten sequence in this fixture would represent an emphatic beginning.