Iraola's Fitness Dilemma Ahead of Liverpool's Opener at Newcastle

Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League team sheet as Liverpool head coach is still very much in pencil.

Liverpool open their league campaign at Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, but the new boss heads to Tyneside with key fitness questions still unanswered and a growing list of definite absentees.

Four senior players are already ruled out. Hugo Ekitike faces a race to play again before the end of the calendar year after suffering a serious Achilles injury in early April, a blow that strips Liverpool of a forward option before a ball has been kicked in anger. At right-back, Conor Bradley remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from major knee damage sustained at Arsenal in early January.

The defensive issues do not stop there. Centre-back Giovanni Leoni is edging closer to a return to first-team training after being out since last September with an ACL injury, but this weekend comes too soon. Joe Gomez, meanwhile, is still out with the muscle problem he picked up in the opening pre-season friendly against Sunderland, an untimely setback that has stalled his start under Iraola.

The confirmed absences are only part of the story. Several other Liverpool players fall into the doubtful category. Curtis Jones, who has attracted transfer interest from Inter, has missed the last two weekends with a hip problem and remains a concern for the trip to St James’ Park. Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman also faces a race against time after an injury-hit pre-season; he sat out both friendlies against Como on Sunday as he continues to nurse an issue.

Youth options are thin as well. Striker Jayden Danns and midfielder Stefan Bajcetic are both unavailable as they work their way back from muscle problems, limiting Iraola’s scope to dip into the academy for reinforcements.

Newcastle, dealing with their own summer of change after a host of senior departures, are hardly in perfect shape either. Joelinton is ruled out for several weeks with an undisclosed problem, robbing Eddie Howe of a powerful presence in midfield. At the back, Valentino Livramento and Fabian Schar are both rated doubtful for Liverpool’s visit, adding another layer of uncertainty to the home side’s preparations.

Two clubs, one opening-day stage, and a long season stretching out in front of them. For Iraola, the first challenge is brutally simple: who is actually fit enough to start his new era?