Key Takeaways:
- Andoni Iraola expressed that he is still determining which Liverpool players are capable of performing consistently when playing matches every three days
- Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to start in goal against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, with Alisson Becker expected to be rested
- Joe Gomez has rejoined training and will be available for selection, whereas Conor Bradley continues to be unavailable due to injury
Squad Management and Player Readiness
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola revealed on Monday that he is still in the process of identifying which members of his squad can sustain their level of performance during a packed fixture schedule, as his side face a demanding run of matches. Preparing to welcome Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup third-round on Tuesday, Iraola acknowledged the importance of carefully managing the workload of his players, especially given Liverpool’s mixed form in the Premier League, having drawn three of their first four league fixtures, despite enjoying a Champions League triumph over Atletico Madrid.
🗣️ Andoni Iraola :
“I am really happy with the squad. Tomorrow we will see some players we haven't seen yet – to see whether they can help us." pic.twitter.com/UIeTGjTjqe
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) September 14, 2026
Addressing the press, Iraola noted: “There are players who play every three days with no issues. They are very robust, their performances don’t change too much.” He contrasted these reliable performers with others who are more susceptible to fatigue, adding: “There are other players where the risk is bigger and the performances are different. I have to learn who is ready to play games every three days and who needs a rest so their performance level isn’t affected.”
Experience Versus Youth in a Demanding Campaign
Iraola underscored the valuable contribution of seasoned professionals within the Liverpool squad, specifically mentioning captain Virgil van Dijk as someone who has proven capable of coping with the rigorous schedule. As he stated: “We have some other players, experienced, have done it, I know they can do it. Virgil can do it, because he has done it before, he has the experience and his performance isn’t so affected.”
He went on to highlight the need for closer assessment of younger players and recent arrivals: “With the younger ones and those coming from abroad, there are some question marks, for them and for me and everyone. We will have to study it case by case.”
Selection Decisions for the Tottenham Cup Tie
The Liverpool manager suggested that changes will be made for Tuesday’s clash with Tottenham, confirming Giorgi Mamardashvili’s selection as starting goalkeeper in place of first-choice Alisson Becker. Discussing this decision, Iraola said: “I think there are few doubts with Becker, he’s playing very well. I rate Giorgi very highly, I know him from Spain. We tried to sign him for Bournemouth before I came here. For me, he’s a very good keeper and he’s going to start tomorrow.”
Injury News and Player Availability
In his update on squad fitness, Iraola confirmed that defender Joe Gomez has returned to first-team training and will be available for the upcoming match, while Conor Bradley remains out of contention due to injury.
