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Liverpool’s preparations for the 2026/27 campaign are gathering momentum, but Andoni Iraola has already been forced to navigate one of the biggest challenges any new head coach can face. While the Reds have begun their pre-season tour of the United States with excitement surrounding a fresh era at Anfield, several important players remain unavailable through injury, while others are only just beginning their return after World Cup duty.
The latest Liverpool injury update offers encouraging news for some players, but there is also confirmation that several first-team stars still have a long road back to full fitness. Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season schedule, Iraola provided honest assessments on every major injury concern and explained how he plans to reintegrate returning international players into his squad. Here is everything Liverpool supporters need to know.
Positive News as Bajcetic and Endo Close In on Their Return
Perhaps the biggest boost for Liverpool supporters is the encouraging progress of Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo. Bajcetic endured a frustrating 2025/26 season without making a single competitive appearance as injuries continued to halt the development of one of Liverpool’s brightest midfield prospects. Endo also suffered disappointment after missing Japan’s World Cup campaign because of injury. Thankfully, both players are now approaching full fitness.
Iraola confirmed that the pair will begin working with the first-team group during Liverpool’s USA tour, although their workload will initially be carefully managed.
He explained:
“We have Stefan and Wataru that are close to training with the group. They will start during this tour, training not fully maybe but partially with the group.”
That update represents excellent news for Liverpool’s midfield depth. Both players bring qualities that could become valuable throughout a demanding campaign featuring Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup competitions. For Bajcetic especially, this pre-season could represent a fresh beginning after such a difficult year.
Three Long-Term Injuries Continue to Test Liverpool
While there is optimism surrounding Bajcetic and Endo, the situation remains far more complicated for Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni. All three continue their rehabilitation after suffering serious injuries during last season. Bradley has been unavailable since sustaining a major knee injury away at Arsenal in January, an injury that eventually required surgery.
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike suffered one of football’s toughest setbacks after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April. Giovanni Leoni is also continuing his recovery following an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered during his senior debut last season. These injuries require patience, and Liverpool’s medical staff are determined not to rush any of them back.
Iraola Reveals the Recovery Timeline
The Liverpool head coach also offered supporters valuable insight into which injured player is closest to returning. According to Iraola, Leoni is making the quickest progress.
He said:
“In terms of order, I think the closest one to returning is Leoni. After will be Conor and Hugo. But especially the last two are still way off. We are talking about months and still a lot of time out.”
Although supporters will naturally be disappointed to hear that Bradley and Ekitike remain months away, the club appears determined to prioritise long-term recovery over short-term risk. That cautious approach could prove crucial later in the season.
World Cup Stars Ready to Join Liverpool
Another major talking point surrounds Liverpool’s returning World Cup internationals. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are all expected to join the squad during the second week of the USA tour after enjoying well-earned breaks following their international commitments. Their arrival will significantly strengthen Iraola’s training sessions. Speaking about the trio, the Liverpool boss explained:
“The three players that are going to join us are going to be in the second week fully with us.”
He also revealed that he has already spoken individually with each player.
“Individually I talked with the three of them, they know the main things, but I am looking forward to having them here with the group.”
That communication demonstrates Iraola’s hands-on management style as he works to introduce his tactical philosophy before the Premier League season begins.
Why Van Dijk, Alisson and Gakpo Are Staying at AXA
Some supporters may have noticed that Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Cody Gakpo have not travelled with the initial touring squad. Rather than indicating injury concerns, Liverpool have simply chosen a different preparation plan. The experienced trio will instead begin pre-season training at the AXA Training Centre before joining the squad later. Iraola explained the reasoning. Virgil has accumulated enormous playing minutes over recent seasons, making careful workload management essential. Cody Gakpo also has individual considerations that make Liverpool believe a quieter return is the best option.
The manager said:
“They will start training at the AXA in Liverpool.”
He added that working initially in smaller groups will help prepare them physically before rejoining the first team. It is another example of Liverpool adopting a personalised approach to player fitness.
Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz Deserve Their Break
No Liverpool players spent longer at the World Cup than Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz. Both reached the tournament final, with Munoz’s Spain eventually defeating Argentina. After such an intense campaign, Liverpool have no intention of rushing either player back. Iraola admitted that their delayed return may affect the opening weeks of the season, but believes protecting their long-term fitness is far more important.
He explained:
“The most difficult situations logically will be Alexis and Victor because they played until the end of the tournament.”
He continued:
“They deserve their holidays and some rest also.”
The Liverpool boss acknowledged that supporters naturally focus on the opening Premier League fixture against Newcastle, but insisted the club must think beyond one match. His message was clear. Managing workloads now could help keep Liverpool’s biggest stars fresh throughout the entire season.
Squad Depth Will Be Crucial
Liverpool’s current injury situation also highlights why recruitment remains a priority. The departures of several senior players earlier this summer, combined with long-term injuries, have increased the importance of building a deeper squad. Fortunately for Iraola, Liverpool’s academy players have stepped up impressively during pre-season, while several new signings are already integrating into the group.
As returning internationals gradually arrive over the coming weeks, competition for places will only become stronger. The Reds are expected to have one of the deepest squads in England by the time the transfer window closes.
What This Means for Liverpool’s Season
Overall, Liverpool’s latest injury update contains more encouraging news than worrying news. Bajcetic and Endo are close to returning. Gravenberch, Isak and Wirtz will soon strengthen the squad. Van Dijk, Alisson and Gakpo are following carefully planned fitness programmes rather than dealing with major injuries. Only Bradley, Ekitike and Leoni remain significant long-term concerns, with Leoni appearing closest to making his comeback. For Andoni Iraola, patience will be essential.
His first months at Liverpool are about much more than simply preparing for the opening Premier League fixture. They are about building a squad capable of competing across every competition for an entire season. By carefully managing injuries, respecting recovery periods and gradually integrating returning stars, Liverpool hope to arrive at the business end of the campaign stronger than ever. Supporters may have to wait a little longer to see every star back in action, but the overall picture remains positive.
The Reds are steadily getting healthier, the World Cup stars are returning, and excitement continues to build ahead of a fascinating new chapter under Andoni Iraola. If Liverpool can navigate these early fitness challenges successfully, they will head into the new season with renewed optimism that another memorable campaign lies ahead.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com