Iraola Faces Fitness Challenges Ahead of Liverpool's Opener at Newcastle

Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League team sheet as Liverpool head coach is still very much in pencil.

Liverpool open their league campaign on Sunday afternoon away at Newcastle United, but several selection calls remain on hold as the club’s medical staff work through a packed treatment room.

Four senior players are already ruled out. Hugo Ekitike faces a long road back after a serious Achilles injury suffered in early April, a setback that leaves his chances of playing again this calendar year in real doubt. On the opposite flank, Conor Bradley is still rehabilitating the major knee damage he picked up at Arsenal in early January.

At centre-back, Giovanni Leoni is edging closer to rejoining full first-team training. He has been sidelined since last September with an ACL injury and is not yet ready to be thrown into competitive action. Joe Gomez, meanwhile, remains out after a muscle complaint sustained in the opening pre-season friendly against Sunderland, an issue that has lingered longer than Liverpool would have liked.

The problems do not end there. Curtis Jones, the midfielder attracting transfer interest from Inter, has missed the last two weekends with a hip issue and is a doubt for the trip to St James’ Park. Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman also sat out both friendlies against Como on Sunday, having carried an injury throughout pre-season.

Young striker Jayden Danns and midfielder Stefan Bajcetic add to the absentee list as they continue their recovery from muscle problems, limiting Iraola’s depth in key areas for his first competitive game in charge.

Newcastle Concerns

Newcastle have their own worries. A summer of notable departures has already tested their squad, and injuries are now biting as well. Joelinton is out for several weeks with an undisclosed problem, removing a powerful presence from their midfield. At the back, Valentino Livramento and Fabian Schar are both rated doubtful for Liverpool’s visit.

Two new managers plotting new seasons, both juggling early fitness setbacks. Whoever copes better with the absences on Sunday might set the tone for what follows.