Joe Gomez out for the season opener
Joe Gomez will miss the start of the Premier League season with a muscle injury sustained in the friendly against Sunderland (9). Iraola confirmed the news Friday: "Joe has a muscle injury. It was quite clear since he complained straightaway, so he will be out for some weeks. Normally one month. If it goes very well, then a little bit less. If it goes bad, then a bit more" (9).
The centre-back is out for the August 23 opener against Newcastle United, and likely the games against Leeds United and Real Madrid too (9). Liverpool's options at the back are thin. Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, and Luke Chambers are the other names in the frame (9).
Iraola to unleash four stars against Leeds
Some good news ahead of Sunday's friendly against Leeds in Chicago. Iraola confirmed Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wirtz will all feature (13). "With Flo especially, I think we need a very good version of Florian. I see him more probably in the position behind the striker, though we know he plays with Germany on the left sometimes," Iraola said (13).
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Wirtz will play centrally behind Isak. The manager also wants versatile wingers who can operate across the front line (13). After the Sunderland friendly, this Chicago match is the next step toward something resembling a proper Liverpool side.
Szoboszlai: the intensity is back
Dominik Szoboszlai did not hold back when asked about the new manager. "He is very good. The intensity we need is here now, what we have been missing is back. From the coach side and the players, now we have to put this together," Szoboszlai said (12).
Liverpool beat Wrexham 1–0 in their previous friendly (12). The midfielder clearly feels the shift under Iraola compared to the Arne Slot era.
Barcola deal moves closer as rival drops out
The Bradley Barcola saga is finally moving. A rival club has ruled itself out of the race, with a blunt "We have finished" (7) (8). That leaves Liverpool a clearer path to the forward (4).
But there is nervousness. Liverpool cannot afford another drawn-out saga like the Alexander Isak deal, where a late arrival left the striker unprepared for the season (2). The clock is ticking.
Elliott ready to fight for his place
Harvey Elliott is back from a nine-appearance loan at Aston Villa and wants to win Iraola over (14). The 23-year-old is not looking for an easy exit. He is fighting.
Ndukwe heading out on loan
Young defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe will leave on loan this summer after failing to qualify for a work permit (5). His agent confirmed the situation, and the club have adjusted their stance accordingly (5).
Transfer notebook: Mora, Bouaddi, Sano, Spence, and Wharton
Liverpool have made contact over Mexican wonderkid Gilberto Mora (1). Separately, Ayyoub Bouaddi, who had been linked with Liverpool, now appears close to signing elsewhere (1). Mainz sporting director has spoken publicly about Kaishu Sano amid Liverpool interest, though no deal is imminent (6). Djed Spence of Tottenham remains a defensive option worth watching (10). And Adam Wharton links have led to calls for Liverpool to sell a midfielder first: "I'm concerned," one pundit said (11).
Fan-reaktioner
The Harvey Elliott redemption arc is getting a lot of love on the subreddit. Plenty of fans see him as a player who never got a fair shot and are buzzing about a second chance. Elsewhere, the armband debate is heating up after the Sunderland friendly, with supporters wondering whether Szoboszlai or someone else should take the vice-captaincy once Van Dijk returns. Curtis Jones and Szoboszlai's post-match disagreement also has fans talking about what it says about the squad's mentality under Iraola. Join the discussion.
