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 the new boss is waiting on a series of late fitness updates before he knows exactly what he has to work with.

What is clear already: four senior players are definitely out.

• Hugo Ekitike: The forward suffered a serious Achilles injury in early April and is battling to play again before the end of the calendar year.
• Conor Bradley: Remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from the major knee damage he picked up at Arsenal in early January.
• Giovanni Leoni: The defender has been out since last September with an ACL injury but is edging closer to a return to first-team training, though Sunday will come too soon.
• Joe Gomez: Will also miss the trip to St James’ Park after a muscle problem sustained in the opening pre-season friendly against Sunderland halted his preparations and has yet to clear.

The definite absentees are only part of Iraola’s headache.

Curtis Jones, who has attracted transfer interest from Inter, has missed the last two weekends with a hip issue and remains a doubt. In goal, Freddie Woodman sat out both of Liverpool’s friendlies against Como on Sunday, having managed an injury throughout pre-season, and his availability is uncertain.

Youth options are thin as well. Young striker Jayden Danns and midfielder Stefan Bajcetic are both unavailable as they work their way back from muscle problems, further trimming Iraola’s choices for his first competitive XI.

Newcastle have their own problems to juggle.

Joelinton has been ruled out for several weeks with an undisclosed issue, robbing Eddie Howe of one of his key midfield presences. At the back, there are concerns over Valentino Livramento and Fabian Schar, with both defenders rated doubtful for Liverpool’s visit.

Two new seasons, two benches patched together by medical bulletins. Whoever manages the absences better on Sunday might land the first big statement of the campaign.