Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has provided fresh updates on the Reds’ squad during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, discussing returning World Cup stars, the latest injury news, transfer plans and why Dominik Szoboszlai is already setting the standard under his management.
Liverpool’s preparations for the new Premier League season are beginning to accelerate, with Andoni Iraola offering supporters one of his clearest assessments yet of where his squad currently stands.
Speaking from the United States, the Reds boss covered a wide range of topics as Liverpool continue building towards the opening weekend of the campaign.
One thing was immediately clear throughout the press conference: Liverpool remain firmly focused on ensuring players return in the best possible condition rather than rushing anyone back before they are ready.
World Cup Stars Still To Return
Although Liverpool’s pre-season tour is well underway, Iraola confirmed several important first-team players are still to link up with the squad following their involvement at the World Cup.
“The three players (Isak, Wirtz, Gravenberch) will join us in the second week.
“The most difficult will be Munoz and Mac Allister because of the World Cup. I hope they have a holiday and can join us but we cannot just think about the Newcastle, they deserve this rest. All the others should be fine to arrive in perfect condition.”
The Liverpool boss made it clear the club are prioritising recovery after what has been another demanding summer for many of the squad’s international players.
Rather than bringing everyone back immediately, Liverpool believe a carefully managed return will better prepare the group for another campaign that promises to include domestic and European football.
Injury Picture Becoming Clearer
There was also encouraging news regarding Liverpool’s treatment room.
Stefan Bajčetić and Wataru Endo are edging closer to full training and are expected to begin integrating back into sessions with the rest of the squad over the coming days, and Giovanni Leoni has also made positive progress in his recovery.
However, there remains a longer wait for both Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike, with Iraola admitting Liverpool are still working towards longer-term recovery timelines for the pair.
“We have some players with big, big injuries, so they have to recover.
“Stefan and Wataru are close to train with the group. They will start partially with the group.
“The others, we have to wait. Leoni is the closest, then Conor and Hugo, we are talking about months.”
The update is particularly significant given Bradley’s importance to Liverpool’s plans this season following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
His absence inevitably affects Liverpool’s options during pre-season and potentially the early weeks of the campaign.
Transfer Plans Remain Flexible
Iraola refused to place a number on how many players Liverpool still hope to sign before the transfer window closes but admitted the club will continue analysing the market if opportunities arise.
The Spaniard also acknowledged Liverpool are currently short of defensive options, particularly while Bradley remains unavailable.
“It’s difficult to say a number.
“It depends on Conor’s situation… Defensive depth, we are very thin right now.”
Those comments reinforce Liverpool’s stance that recruitment remains ongoing should the right player become available.
Szoboszlai Earning Iraola’s Admiration
One player whose future is no longer in question is Dominik Szoboszlai. After signing a new contract earlier this week, the Hungary international received glowing praise from his new head coach.
Rather than focusing solely on his performances, Iraola highlighted the standards Szoboszlai sets every single day around the training ground, describing him as someone younger players should look towards.
“His new deal is the greatest news since I arrived.”
Iraola also confirmed Liverpool have yet to appoint a new vice-captain following Andy Robertson’s departure.
While discussions will take place once the entire squad has returned, the Spaniard insisted leadership is not defined by an armband alone.
“You don’t need an armband to be a leader.”
If Iraola’s latest comments are anything to go by, Szoboszlai has already established himself as one of the key figures within that group as Liverpool continue preparations for a new era under their new head coach.
Author’s View: Iraola’s Painted Clear Picture
From the return dates of several senior internationals to the club’s injury situation and ongoing transfer plans, Iraola painted a picture of a squad that is gradually moving closer to full strength.
