Liverpool Injury Update: Ekitike, Bradley, Chiesa and Leoni – Latest Return Dates
Liverpool are enjoying a positive run of results heading into the international break, but Andoni Iraola still has several key players unavailable as they continue their recovery from injuries.
The Reds boosted their confidence with a narrow 1-0 win over Bournemouth, courtesy of Alexander Isak’s decisive strike, extending their unbeaten run to seven games across all competitions.
Attention now turns to the international break before Liverpool return to Premier League action against Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, ahead of their Champions League trip to LASK.
Here is the latest on four Liverpool players hoping to return to action.
Hugo Ekitike – Expected Return: January 2027
Ekitike remains a long-term absentee after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture against Paris Saint-Germain in April.
The French forward has missed the end of last season and the opening stages of the current campaign. His recovery was initially expected to take between nine and 12 months.
However, there have been encouraging signs, with the striker sharing videos of his rehabilitation work, including indoor ball exercises.
Liverpool have also included him in their Champions League squad, raising hopes of a possible return before the league phase concludes.
Iraola has previously indicated that January could be a realistic target, although the striker still has considerable rehabilitation ahead.
Conor Bradley – Expected Return: November/December
Bradley continues to recover from the serious knee injury he sustained against Arsenal in January.
The Northern Ireland defender required surgery after suffering bone and ligament damage in his left knee.
He has now progressed to ball work but remains on an individual training programme and is yet to return to full team sessions.
Iraola has cautioned that the defender still has significant recovery work to complete. He is also understood to be slightly behind Giovanni Leoni in his rehabilitation.
Federico Chiesa – Expected Return: October 11
Chiesa is still waiting to make his first competitive appearance under Iraola after picking up a back muscle injury during pre-season.
The Italian forward has missed Liverpool’s opening seven matches, including the recent victory over Bournemouth.
However, the international break could provide the perfect opportunity for him to regain full fitness, with a return against Manchester City on October 11 being targeted.
Giovanni Leoni – Expected Return: November
Leoni suffered a devastating ACL injury to his left knee during his Anfield debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Initial expectations suggested he could spend approximately 12 months out of action.
Nevertheless, the young defender has made encouraging progress and is reportedly ahead of Bradley in his recovery.
A November comeback is considered possible, although Liverpool are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with his fitness.
Joe Gomez Provides Encouraging Injury News
There is also positive news regarding Joe Gomez, who returned to the matchday squad against Bournemouth after recovering from a muscle problem.
The defender came through the game without any reported complications, giving Liverpool another encouraging injury update.
With Manchester City next on the schedule, Liverpool will be hoping the international break allows more members of their squad to return to full fitness.
