Liverpool have received an encouraging injury update ahead of their Carabao Cup fourth-round encounter with Chelsea, with manager Andoni Iraola optimistic that Florian Wirtz will be available for Wednesday night’s clash at Anfield.
However, Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz remain bigger doubts as Liverpool prepare for another important fixture during a demanding period of the season.
Wirtz Could Return Against Chelsea
Wirtz suffered an ankle injury during Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton on Sunday, forcing the German international to leave the pitch before the final whistle.
His injury raised concerns about his availability for the Carabao Cup meeting with Chelsea, but Iraola has offered supporters reasons to remain hopeful.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, the Liverpool manager explained that Wirtz appeared to be doing reasonably well, although the final decision would depend on further assessment.
Iraola said he was optimistic that the attacking midfielder would be available, but acknowledged that the team needed to wait and see how he responded.
Wirtz’s potential availability would be a significant boost for Liverpool, particularly with the club facing a busy schedule across domestic and European competitions.
Szoboszlai And Munoz Face Tougher Fitness Tests
While the situation surrounding Wirtz is encouraging, Liverpool are less certain about the availability of Szoboszlai and Munoz.
Iraola admitted that both players face a more difficult race to recover in time for the Chelsea encounter.
The manager stopped short of ruling them out completely but indicated that their chances of featuring were less promising than Wirtz’s.
Their potential absence would further complicate Liverpool’s team selection as the club attempts to balance the demands of several competitions.
Liverpool will continue assessing the players’ conditions before making a final decision on the squad.
Iraola Confirms Liverpool Will Make Changes
The Liverpool boss also confirmed that changes to his starting lineup are expected against Chelsea.
Liverpool have been playing regularly across the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup, making squad rotation increasingly important.
Iraola explained that teams competing at the highest level must manage their players’ workload carefully, especially when matches arrive every few days.
He acknowledged that injuries sometimes force changes, while tactical considerations can also influence his selection.
Despite the expected rotation, the manager insisted that Liverpool would remain competitive and approach the match with the intention of securing qualification for the next round.
Liverpool have already made several changes to their lineup in recent matches, including their Champions League victory over Villarreal and the subsequent win against Brighton.
Liverpool Determined To Reach The Next Round
Despite the fitness concerns, Liverpool remain focused on progressing in the Carabao Cup.
Iraola acknowledged that facing Chelsea at this stage represents a difficult challenge for both teams, but stressed that Liverpool must win if they want to continue their journey in the competition.
The manager also expressed confidence in the importance of maintaining a competitive squad, giving players opportunities while ensuring the team remains strong enough to challenge for trophies.
Liverpool will be hoping Wirtz recovers in time to feature, while the club awaits further clarity on Szoboszlai and Munoz.
With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, the Reds know they must produce a strong performance against a Chelsea side equally determined to progress.
Liverpool’s latest injury situation:
Florian Wirtz: Manager optimistic he will be available.
Dominik Szoboszlai: Major doubt.
Victor Munoz: Major doubt.
Jeremie Frimpong: Sidelined with a muscle problem.
Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni: Among the club’s longer-term injury absentees.
