Liverpool could receive another fitness boost ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham, with Joe Gomez pushing to make his first competitive appearance of the season.
Andoni Iraola recently welcomed Cody Gakpo and Milos Kerkez back during Saturday’s frustrating 0-0 draw against Fulham, while several longer-term absentees are also progressing with their recoveries.
Joe Gomez closing in on Liverpool return
Gomez is back in training after suffering a muscular injury during Iraola’s first match in charge, a 4-2 pre-season victory over Sunderland in July.
The defender lasted only eight minutes that day and has yet to play competitively this season.
Tuesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Tottenham could provide an opportunity for Gomez to build up minutes. If that comes too soon, Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth five days later represents another possibility.
Potential return date: September 15 vs Tottenham (H) or September 20 vs Bournemouth (A)
Hugo Ekitike stepping up recovery
Ekitike remains sidelined after rupturing his Achilles during last season’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
The striker underwent surgery in April, subsequently missing the World Cup with France. His initial recovery timeline was estimated at eight to nine months.
There have been encouraging signs recently, with Ekitike posting footage of himself working with a ball during his rehabilitation.
Iraola expects the striker to return before the end of the year, although Liverpool have not set a specific comeback date.
Potential return date: December 2026
Federico Chiesa targeting October comeback
Chiesa has not featured this season after suffering a back injury in Liverpool’s final pre-season friendly against Como.
The Italian is expected to resume training during the upcoming international break. Providing there are no further setbacks, he could return against Manchester City.
Potential return date: October 11 vs Manchester City (H)
Conor Bradley remains sidelined
Bradley has been unavailable since suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal in January.
The right-back required surgery and has spent the subsequent months working through his rehabilitation programme.
Iraola expects Bradley to return around a similar period to Ekitike, although his current projected comeback is slightly earlier.
Potential return date: November 2026
Giovanni Leoni nearing team training
There is also encouraging news surrounding Leoni after his long recovery from an ACL injury.
The young defender suffered the injury on his Liverpool debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup last September and subsequently underwent surgery.
Iraola has now revealed that Leoni could resume training with the first team during the international break.
“I think the next one probably should be Giovanni Leoni,” Iraola said. “I think the plan is also to start training during the break, with the group.”
Liverpool will still give him time to rebuild his match fitness before returning to competitive action.
Potential return date: Late October 2026
Key Points
- Joe Gomez could make his first appearance of the season against Tottenham.
- Hugo Ekitike is progressing after his Achilles rupture and could return in December.
- Federico Chiesa is targeting a return after the international break.
- Conor Bradley could make his comeback in November.
- Giovanni Leoni is expected to resume team training during the international break.
What’s Next?
Liverpool host Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, with Gomez potentially in contention for valuable minutes. The international break should then provide Iraola with another significant boost as Chiesa and Leoni move closer to full first-team training.
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