Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has delivered a comprehensive fitness update on his squad as the Reds begin their pre-season tour of the United States, offering encouraging news on some players while confirming that several first-team stars still face lengthy spells on the sidelines.
The Premier League giants have kicked off preparations for the 2026-27 campaign in Chicago, where Iraola addressed the media before Liverpool’s opening friendly against Sunderland.
While there is optimism surrounding the imminent return of Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo, the Spanish tactician admitted that Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain some way from making their comebacks.
Liverpool’s medical department has been working around the clock to prepare the squad for another demanding campaign, and Iraola made it clear that patience will be required with those recovering from serious injuries.
“Yes, right now, we have different situations in terms of injuries,” said Iraola.
“[Bradley, Ekitike and Leoni] are big, big injuries, it’s taking them months to recover. And apart from those three, we have Stefan and Wataru that are close to training with the group. They will start in this during this tour, training not fully maybe but partially with the group.
“With the others, we have to wait more. In terms of order, I think the closest one to returning is Leoni. After will be Conor and Hugo. But especially the last two are still way off, we are talking about months and still a lot of time out.”
The update provides a clearer picture of Liverpool’s squad depth heading into a crucial pre-season schedule.
The Reds are set to face Sunderland before taking on Wrexham and Leeds in the United States, with home friendlies against Monaco and Como scheduled before the new Premier League season begins.
Beyond the injury concerns, Iraola also explained how Liverpool are carefully managing the return of players involved in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup.
Ryan Gravenberch, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are expected to join the squad during the second week of the American tour after receiving additional rest following their international commitments.
“The three players [Gravenberch, Isak and Wirtz; that are going to join us are going to be [in the] second week fully with us,” he said.
“The ones that were [eliminated] from the World Cup, they all – because of different reasons – have individual days for their arrivals, but I think the sooner we can start working with them and they can understand what we want from them the better.
“Individually I talked with the three of them, they know the main things, but I am looking forward to having them here with the group and to go slowly, slowly with recovering bodies [to the squad].”
Meanwhile, senior figures Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Alisson Becker will begin their preparations back at the AXA Training Centre rather than travelling immediately to North America.
Iraola explained that the decision was influenced by workload management, particularly in Van Dijk’s case after another physically demanding season.
“Because of different reasons, especially Virgil because he has been the player with most minutes in Europe I would say, and Cody for other reasons, they are going to start training basically in the same week as the others.
“Instead of making them come here with the team, we considered that it was sensible with them to start the first week training with a small group or even with younger players that are at the AXA and join us when we [return].”
Liverpool will also be without World Cup finalists Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz for the early stages of pre-season after both remained involved until the tournament’s conclusion.
Mac Allister featured throughout Argentina’s narrow defeat to Spain in the final, while Munoz was an unused substitute as La Roja lifted the trophy.
Their extended summer means both players will receive additional recovery time before reporting back to Merseyside, and Iraola admitted it could affect their readiness for Liverpool’s Premier League opener.
“In the end, I think the most difficult situations logically will be Alexis and Victor because they played until the end of the tournament, so I think they deserve their holidays and some rest also,” said the head coach.
“I hope they have time to at least train with us a little bit, but it is true that it will probably affect the beginning of the season a little bit.
“We cannot only think in the short term and the first game against Newcastle; we have to also understand, especially in the case of Alexis, who played a lot of minutes during the season and a lot of minutes in the World Cup, that they deserve this rest.
“All the others should be fine to arrive in perfect conditions to the first game.”
Rather than rushing key players back into action, Iraola appears determined to prioritise long-term fitness over short-term availability.
The Reds boss is gradually implementing his methods while ensuring returning internationals and injured players receive the time needed to reach peak condition.
With several high-profile names expected to return over the coming weeks, Liverpool’s pre-season tour will serve as the foundation for Iraola’s first full campaign at Anfield, where expectations remain as high as ever.
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