Liverpool FC did not have the start to the season/the Andoni Iraola era that they wanted, but the overall situation isn’t too bad. The Reds obviously didn’t have the summer transfer window that they wanted, and that preluded a so-so start to the season, but they’re only one point from third place right now. And they sit at this jumbo sized international break with only four injury concerns: Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, Federico Chiesa.
All in all, things could be worse right now. The Reds are off until they host Manchester City, in a crunch clash, on October 11.
Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni
We group these two players together because they’re the only ones that Iraola has spoken about in a press opportunity lately. The manager may change, but keeping us in the dark on injury news remains the same at the Merseyside club.
It is to be expected at this point.
Also, we grouped Bradley and Leoni together because both are dealing with serious knee injuries.
“I think he is not close to training with the team,” Iraola said of Bradley, one week ago today.
“He’s training alone, but he has started touching the ball. Definitely, I want him as quick as possible ready, but it’s a long-term injury. I think (Giovanni) Leoni is a little bit ahead of him and still it’s going to take some time for Conor, yes.”
Both players might be nearing a potential return sometime in November.
Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa
Much like with Bradley and Leoni, Ekitike and Chiesa are looking at possible returns in November. Ekitike is recovering from a ruptured Achilles while Chiesa is dealing with a lower back problem.
Squad Injury Updates: September/October International Break
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Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.