Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola faces significant squad rotation and defensive injury concerns ahead of their pre-season friendly against Monaco at Anfield on Sunday. The match tests new signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz while the club navigates extended player breaks and sidelined defenders.
Defensive Injury Crisis and Squad Scarcity at Anfield
Liverpool enters Sunday fixture against Monaco grappling with a severe shortage of fit central defenders. The club remains uncertain whether Jeremy Jacquet will be fit to play. Jacquet has not appeared in a match since February, leaving an obvious void beside Virgil van Dijk.
The defensive predicament deepened following Joe Gomez picking up an injury during a pre-season friendly against Sunderland. Gomez is unavailable and could miss the start of the Premier League season. With Giovanni finding fitness and long-term absentees including Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo, and Giovanni Leoni sidelined, head coach Andoni Iraola must rely on youth.
Teenager Mor Talla Ndiaye may join the back four to protect goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Calum Scanlon could feature on the right side of the defense due to fitness concerns surrounding Jeremie Frimpong, while left-back Milos Kerkez is slated to flank the defensive line.
World Cup Absences and New Signings Integrating into the Squad
The summer schedule brings familiar complications regarding players returning late from international duty. Ryan Gravenberch, who reported back late following his World Cup participation, struggled during the second half of a recent fixture against Leeds United. That performance may prompt Iraola to stick with Trey Nyoni and Dominik Szoboszlai in his midfield double pivot.
Other summer arrivals and international participants face staggered integrations. Winger Victor Munoz joined his new teammates in training for the first time recently, having been part of the Spain squad that won the FIFA World Cup earlier this month. Munoz could earn a start on the right wing against Monaco.
Victor Munoz has joined his new teammates in training for the first time this week. He follows other players on extended breaks after the World Cup, including Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister.
Transfer Spending and High-Stakes Roster Construction
The current squad reflects the financial commitment made during the previous summer transfer window. Liverpool spent significant sums to secure high-profile talent. That outlay included the acquisition of defender Jeremy Jacquet for £60million as part of an effort to fortify the team.
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Yet, spending does not immediately translate to on-field availability during pre-season fixtures. While marquee additions like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have featured prominently—with Wirtz scoring an impressive goal against Leeds—the combination of injuries and international rest periods forces Iraola into creative lineup configurations.
Tactical Adjustments and Projected Lineups for Sunday
Iraola has heavily rotated his squad through early summer friendlies, with Giorgi Mamardashvili standing out as the only player to start all three games during the initial run. As preparations shift to Anfield, the tactical emphasis points toward utilizing Isak as the main attacking focal point, supported by Rio Ngumoha on the left flank and Wirtz pulling strings through the center.
The projected starting XI features Alisson Becker in goal, protected by a backline of Calum Scanlon, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez. Trey Nyoni and Dominik Szoboszlai are positioned to anchor the midfield, while Victor Munoz, Florian Wirtz, and Rio Ngumoha support Alexander Isak up top.
