Gakpo doubts and six more absentees cloud Liverpool's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid

Liverpool head into their Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday carrying a significant injury list, with Cody Gakpo the latest concern after the Netherlands international missed training on Tuesday — though his absence was described as precautionary rather than a definite withdrawal.

The Reds are already managing several longer-term absences. Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined with the serious Achilles injury he sustained in April, while Conor Bradley continues his recovery from the knee problem he picked up in January. Joe Gomez, who was hurt in the opening minutes of Liverpool’s first pre-season fixture with a hamstring injury, is reportedly closing in on a return but is not yet available.

Giovanni Leoni is also in the final stages of rehabilitation from a knee injury suffered in September last year. Federico Chiesa has yet to feature for Liverpool this season and was omitted from the club’s Champions League squad entirely, with Wataru Endo left out of the European registration for the same reasons.

Manager Andoni Iraola, who secured his first win in charge with a 2-0 Premier League victory at Ipswich Town last week — Alexander Isak scoring both goals at Portman Road — will therefore need to navigate the tie with a depleted squad.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid arrive at Anfield with problems of their own. Striker Alexander Sørloth is set to miss out with a muscle complaint that has kept him out of recent action. Defender Arnau Ortiz is suspended, serving a ban stemming from a red card in a UEFA Conference League qualifying match in August 2024.