Liverpool have confirmed their travelling squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash against Fenerbahce, with Andoni Iraola taking a group of 22 players to Turkey.
There are some notable names included, but also one important absentee.
Ryan Gravenberch is missing after picking up a heel problem, meaning Liverpool will have to cope without the Dutch midfielder for a potentially difficult European away fixture.
However, there is still plenty of quality in the travelling group, with Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexander Isak all included.
Liverpool’s travelling squad in full
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman.
Defenders: Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Giovanni Leoni, Milos Kerkez, Kostas Tsimikas, Ronald Araujo, Jacquet, Chambers.
Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Trey Nyoni, James McConnell.
Forwards: Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Bradley Barcola, Víctor Muñoz, Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns.
Ryan Gravenberch is the notable absentee because of his heel problem.
Gravenberch absence leaves a midfield question
The biggest talking point is undoubtedly Gravenberch’s absence.
Liverpool have had their problems finding the right balance in midfield, and losing another option is far from ideal.
Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai are both included, while Trey Nyoni is another player who could be given an opportunity.
I would be particularly interested to see how Iraola approaches this one. Liverpool need to be more effective at moving the ball forward and supplying their attacking players, and the midfield will have a major responsibility in Turkey.
Hopefully Gravenberch’s heel problem is nothing serious and he will be back available soon.
Plenty of attacking quality travelling
There is certainly no shortage of attacking talent in the squad.
Isak, Gakpo, Barcola and Wirtz are all included, giving Iraola several options when it comes to selecting his front line.
Rio Ngumoha is also travelling, and I would love to see the youngster get some minutes.
He has shown enough ability to suggest he can make an impact at senior level, and these European occasions can be valuable experiences for young players.
Víctor Muñoz is another interesting inclusion, while Koumas and Danns provide further attacking options.
Liverpool need a response after Arsenal defeat
Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Arsenal was a frustrating afternoon at Anfield, and Liverpool will be desperate to put that disappointment behind them.
The Champions League offers an opportunity to respond, but Fenerbahce will be a difficult opponent, particularly with the atmosphere expected inside their stadium.
Liverpool have made a positive start to their European campaign, and maintaining that momentum is important.
Iraola will need his experienced players to step up, while the younger members of the squad could provide some useful energy from the bench.
There is enough quality in this travelling group to get a result, even without Gravenberch. Now Liverpool need to show it on the pitch.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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