Iraola leaves door open for Gakpo, Isak and Szoboszlai

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has not ruled out Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Dominik Szoboszlai returning for Saturday's Premier League trip to Brentford, though a decision will not be made until after Friday's training session.

All three players have missed Liverpool's last two matches after picking up injuries during the September and October international break.

"We have to wait and see. I think it's still very early but the same way I said they are not available for the previous games, I leave the chance open this time, yes," Iraola said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

The fixture at Gtech Community Stadium falls fewer than 72 hours after Liverpool's Champions League win in Austria against LASK, adding further pressure to squad rotation decisions.

Iraola acknowledged the demands of a congested schedule, with Villarreal to follow in another three days. "In this period especially, when we are basically playing every three days – almost less than three days – you need more players," he said. "We need everyone, we will need everyone in one moment or the other. Everyone has to be ready because we will need him probably."

Isak had scored 4 goals in 5 Premier League appearances before his injury, making his potential return one of the more significant fitness calls for Iraola ahead of the Brentford clash.