Andoni Iraola confirms double Liverpool injury blow ahead of Chelsea clash

Liverpool Fitness Update Ahead of Chelsea Carabao Cup Clash

Liverpool go into Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Chelsea with momentum, and with a few familiar selection headaches. Four straight wins have steadied the mood at Anfield, the latest a 2-0 victory over Brighton, and now Andoni Iraola must decide who is fit enough to keep that run going.

The biggest immediate question surrounds Florian Wirtz. The early signs are positive. Iraola did not overplay it, but his message was clear enough. “We still have to wait. We train later. Florian [Wirtz] was quite fine and optimistic he would be available,” the Liverpool head coach said. That points to availability, barring any late setback.

With Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz, the picture is far less encouraging. Iraola was cautious and, importantly, realistic. “And with Dom and Victor, I’m not so sure. I don’t want to say no, but I think it’s more difficult than Florian,” he added. That sounds like a manager preparing for the likelihood of being without both.

Florian Wirtz Offers Timely Boost

For Liverpool, Wirtz matters. In cup ties like this, control between the lines and quick decision-making can tilt the game. If he is fit enough to start, Iraola gets an obvious creative lift against a Chelsea side arriving with issues of their own.

Photo: IMAGO

Dominik Szoboszlai And Victor Munoz Doubts Remain

Szoboszlai and Munoz look set to lose their race against time. Iraola has not ruled either player out completely, but the wording tells the story. Liverpool may have to manage without two useful options, one a midfield runner, the other a depth piece who can help rotation in a packed schedule.

Chelsea Arrive With Problems Of Their Own

Chelsea come to Anfield after a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham and without suspended Cole Palmer. Emiliano Martinez and Reece James are also absent. Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield as Chelsea head coach, but sentiment will not matter much here. Liverpool beat Tottenham 3-1 to reach this stage, Chelsea beat Leeds United 6-3, and this tie now looks shaped by availability as much as form.

<

p style=”text-align:justify”>Right now, Liverpool have one likely boost in Wirtz, and two probable misses in Szoboszlai and Munoz. That is the short version, and it is probably the only one that matters before kick-off.