Liverpool could be about to receive a welcome boost on the injury front, with Joe Gomez reportedly in contention to return against Tottenham on Tuesday night.
According to Alex Wys Young, Gomez could make his comeback against Spurs, although Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth could be a more realistic target if Liverpool decide not to rush him back.
And with Liverpool’s squad already being tested by injuries, having another experienced defender available would be a major boost for Andoni Iraola.
Gomez could be back very soon
The possibility of Gomez returning against Tottenham is particularly encouraging.
Liverpool have already had to deal with several defensive absences, and Gomez’s versatility gives Iraola another hugely valuable option.
He can play at centre-back or full-back and has the experience to step into the team without needing a lengthy settling-in period.
If he isn’t quite ready for Spurs, the Bournemouth game on Sunday could provide the next opportunity.
Liverpool could certainly do with him back.
Ekitike faces a longer wait
Unfortunately, Hugo Ekitike is looking at a much longer spell on the sidelines.
The latest expected return is December 2026, meaning Liverpool could be without one of their attacking options for a significant portion of the first half of the season.
That is particularly frustrating given the excitement surrounding Ekitike and his importance to Iraola’s plans.
Liverpool have plenty of attacking talent, but losing a striker for several months inevitably puts additional pressure on the likes of Alexander Isak.
Chiesa could return in October
There is better news regarding Federico Chiesa.
His expected return date is currently October 11 against Manchester City at Anfield.
That would be a huge boost.
Chiesa gives Iraola another attacking option and, perhaps just as importantly, another player capable of changing the dynamic of a game from the bench.
Liverpool have already shown against Fulham that they can struggle when the manager needs to change things during a match.
Getting players like Chiesa back will gradually give Iraola more solutions.
Bradley and Leoni also remain out
Conor Bradley is expected back in December 2026, while Giovanni Leoni is reportedly targeting a return in late October.
Leoni’s eventual return will be particularly interesting.
The young defender was brought in with a big future in mind, and his return will give Iraola another option in the centre of defence.
Bradley, meanwhile, will provide important competition and depth at right-back.
Liverpool need everyone back
The timing of these returns is important.
Iraola is still trying to work out his best Liverpool team, and injuries are making that process even harder.
The manager needs options.
He needs competition for places.
And he needs the ability to change games from the bench when things aren’t going according to plan.
That’s why every returning player matters.
Gomez could be the first major boost, with Chiesa and Leoni hopefully following over the next few weeks.
The wait for Ekitike and Bradley will be considerably longer, but getting players back gradually could make a huge difference as the season develops.
Liverpool’s squad is going to be tested.
But if these return dates prove accurate, Iraola should have considerably more options available to him as we move towards the winter.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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