Liverpool have named their 23-man squad for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to LASK, and there are three notable absences.
Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai have all been left out, as expected, leaving Andoni Iraola with some important decisions to make ahead of a game Liverpool really need to win.
The Reds are looking to respond after the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield, and European football offers an opportunity to put that disappointment behind them.
But the injury situation means Iraola will have to manage his options carefully.
The three absences Liverpool were expecting
Isak and Gakpo were already unavailable against Manchester City after picking up injuries on international duty. Szoboszlai then missed that game after reporting tightness in his hamstring following the international break.
Iraola had admitted it would be difficult to get any of the injured players back in time for the trip to Austria, so their absence from the squad is hardly a surprise.
Still, losing three important players is far from ideal.
Isak had started to find his scoring touch, Gakpo has been one of Liverpool’s more dangerous attacking options, and Szoboszlai brings energy and quality to midfield.
Liverpool will hope all three can return as soon as possible, but there is no point taking unnecessary risks this early in the season.
Liverpool’s 23-man squad for LASK
The travelling squad includes plenty of experience, but also several youngsters who could be given an opportunity.
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman.
Defenders: Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Jérémy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Kostas Tsimikas, Jeremie Frimpong, Ronald Araújo, Luke Chambers.
Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Trey Nyoni, James McConnell.
Forwards: Víctor Muñoz, Bradley Barcola, Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns, Josh Sonni-Lambie, Wellity Lucky.
That is the group Liverpool will take to Austria, with the absence of the three senior players potentially opening the door for others to make an impression.
This could be an opportunity for the youngsters
One name I’ll be keeping an eye on is Trey Nyoni.
The young midfielder has already shown that he isn’t afraid to receive the ball under pressure, and European football would be another useful test of his development.
Lewis Koumas is another player who could benefit from the situation. He has just had a busy international period with Wales, collecting valuable minutes, and will be hoping to turn that experience into more opportunities at Liverpool.
Then there is Rio Ngumoha.
Liverpool supporters are naturally excited about his potential, but there is no need to rush him. If he gets minutes, the important thing is that he uses them to keep learning and showing what he can offer.
The same applies to the other academy players travelling with the squad. These are opportunities to learn from senior teammates and show the manager they can be trusted when called upon.
Liverpool need a response
The defeat to Manchester City was a disappointment, and Iraola will want to see a reaction in Austria.
Liverpool won their opening Champions League fixture against Atlético Madrid, so another positive result would help them build momentum in the competition.
LASK should not be underestimated, though. Liverpool cannot simply turn up expecting to win, particularly with several key players missing.
The midfield will need to control the game, the defence must be switched on, and whoever leads the attack has to make the most of the opportunities that come their way.
For me, this is about more than getting three points. It is also a chance for Liverpool to show that one difficult afternoon against City does not define them.
No excuses, but Liverpool must be sensible
I would love to see Liverpool get the job done comfortably, but I also want Iraola to manage his squad sensibly.
There is a demanding schedule ahead, and Liverpool cannot afford to make their injury problems worse by taking unnecessary risks.
Isak, Gakpo and Szoboszlai will be missed, but this squad still contains plenty of quality.
Wirtz, Mac Allister, Barcola, Van Dijk and Alisson give Liverpool a strong core, while the younger players have a chance to show that they belong at this level.
Liverpool need a reaction in Austria — and the players who travel now have a chance to help deliver it.
After the disappointment of Sunday, I’m looking for a professional performance, a win and, hopefully, some encouraging signs from the youngsters.
That would make this trip a worthwhile one.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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