Iraola says Ekitic and Conor Bradley are still some time away from a comeback.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola discussed the team's squad situation at a press conference, revealing that Ekittick and Conor Bradley will need more time before they can return to action.

Liverpool will play a friendly against Sunderland, also from the Premier League, at Joda Park in the United States, in preparation for the new season.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iola stated, "Conor Bradley, Ekittić, and Giovanni Leoni have all suffered serious injuries, and their recovery time will be measured in months. Besides these three, Bajchtic and Endo are very close to returning to training. They will begin training with the team during this US tour, although they may not be able to complete all training sessions, but they will at least be able to participate in some training camps."

"As for the other players, we still need to wait. Based on the current recovery progress, Giovanni Leoni is the closest to returning, followed by Conor Bradley and Ekittick. Especially Conor Bradley and Ekittick, they are still a long way from returning, we are still talking about recovery time of several months."

With the World Cup over, some players will gradually return to their teams and participate in training.

Andoni Iraola stated, "Hrafinbech, Isak, and Wirtz will officially rejoin the team in the second week of the US tour. Those players who participated in the World Cup will return in batches for various reasons. However, I believe that the sooner they start training with the team and understand our tactical requirements, the more helpful it will be for the team."

“I have spoken with each of these three players individually, and they understand the team’s most important requirements. I am very much looking forward to them joining the team as soon as possible and gradually regaining their physical condition and reintegrating into the team.”

In addition, Andoni Iraola also said, "In terms of the timing of their return to training, Alisson, Gakopo, Van Dijk and several other players who returned from the World Cup are basically the same; they will start training at the Liverpool training center."

"Realistically speaking, the most difficult situation is definitely for McAllister and Victor Muñoz, as they played until the very last match of the World Cup. I think they deserve a break and need plenty of rest. I hope they can at least catch up with the team for a while longer, but undeniably, this may have some impact on the early stages of the season."

Andoni Iraola added, "Especially McAllister, who played a lot of games for the club and at the World Cup last season, so he absolutely deserves a good rest. As for the other players, I believe they will all be in top form for the first game of the new season."

Image source: Internet