The Champions League is back and, exactly as was the case 357 days ago, Liverpool welcome Atlético Madrid to Anfield. Arne Slot's side enjoyed a last-gasp 3-2 victory that night, with Diego Simeone sent off, and Andoni Iraola would surely settle for a similar scoreline.
Ahead of the match on Merseyside, there are players on both sides who will not be involved, or are likely to miss out, so check out our complete guide to the team news.
Liverpool players
Bradley Barcola
Status: Likely to be on the bench
Type of injury: Lack of match fitness
After coming off the bench for his eagerly anticipated Liverpool debut at Portman Road on Friday night, the Anfield crowd will get a first glimpse of Bradley Barcola in a red shirt. That was his first appearance for anyone in any match since the World Cup third-place play-off against England on 18 July, hence why the Frenchman is not yet up to speed, thereby unlikely to start just yet.
Hugo Ekitiké
Status: Injured
Type of injury: Ruptured Achilles tendon
Possible return date: Unknown
Hugo Ekitiké remains sidelined long-term due to a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in April. It was forecast that the striker would miss, pretty much, the entire season, but the fact he has been included in Liverpool's UEFA squad for the league phase suggests there is some optimism that he'll return before late-January.
Conor Bradley
Status: Injured
Type of injury: Ligament damage to his left knee
Possible return date: Unknown
Conor Bradley suffered an equally gruesome knee injury against Arsenal in January. The Northern Irishman, like Ekitiké, is in the Reds' UEFA squad, which could mean he is back in the coming months.
Giovanni Leoni
Status: Injured
Type of injury: Anterior cruciate ligament tear
Possible return date: 11 October vs Manchester City
Giovanni Leoni has not featured since suffering an ACL tear on his debut against Southampton in the EFL Cup almost a year ago. However, Andoni Iraola confirmed recently that the plan is for the Italian to return to full training during the international break, meaning he could be back soon.
Joe Gomez
Status: Injured
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: 12 September vs Fulham
Joe Gomez suffered a muscle injury less than ten minutes into the Reds' pre-season opener against Sunderland in Nashville. The defender has returned to training this week, but is unlikely to be involved in this Champions League opener.
Federico Chiesa
Status: Injured and ineligible
Type of injury: Lower back and not registered
Possible return date: 11 October vs Manchester City
Iraola confirmed that Federico Chiesa suffered a lower back issue during Liverpool's final pre-season match against Como last month. The head coach stated the winger will return after the international break. However, he could not feature either-way, as he's not in the European squad.
Wataru Endō
Status: Ineligible
Type of injury: Not registered
Possible return date: 12 September vs Fulham
Like Chiesa, Wataru Endō was not included in Liverpool's UEFA squad, thereby cannot feature during the league phase. The Japanese international has been an unused substitute for all three Premier League matches so far, but will be watching on from the stands on European nights.
Atlético Madrid players
Alexander Sørloth
Status: Injured
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: 13 September vs Real Sociedad
Striker Alexander Sørloth is yet to feature this season due to a muscle injury, so will not be involved at Anfield. This is far from ideal timing for Simeone, considering Julián Álvarez is still sulking that he did not land his dream move to Barcelona, while Antoine Griezmann has departed for Orlando City. This leaves los Colchoneros very short of centre-forwards.
Arnau Ortiz
Status: Suspended
Type of injury: Banned
Possible return date: 13 September vs Real Sociedad
24 year old winger Arnau Oritz is suspended due to a red card he picked up over two years ago. In August 2024, he was sent off in stoppage time as Śląsk Wrocław were dumped out of UEFA Conference League qualifying by St. Gallen. Having not been registered in UEFA competition by any club since, Ortiz will serve his ban now.
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