Liverpool XI vs Como: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for pre-season friendly today | OneFootball

Jeremy Jacquet could finally feature as Reds aim for Anfield victory

Andoni Iraola’s side are looking light in certain positions going into the new Premier League campaign, which begins with a trip to Newcastle next weekend.

A particular problem area is in central defence, with three injury concerns that left captain Virgil van Dijk as the only fit senior option available.

New signing Jacquet has been struggling with an unspecified issue that led him to miss the recent 3-2 defeat by Monaco.

The £60million arrival previously saw his final campaign at Rennes curtailed by a shoulder injury, and he has not yet played in pre-season. He is, however, back in team training ahead of the visit of Como.

Iraola is being cautious with his new signing, and he has acted in the transfer market, bringing in Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.

Elsewhere, Giovanni Leoni continues his recovery from the ACL injury that he sustained on debut a year ago, while Joe Gomez limped off in the 4-2 win over Sunderland in the USA last month, replaced by youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe. That muscle injury is likely to scupper his start to the season.

Newly-signed youngsters Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye have both featured in pre-season, as has Luke Chambers.

Iraola has also had to deal with the loss of Ibrahima Konate, who departed Liverpool on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract, subsequently signing for Real Madrid.

Curtis Jones has also been hampered by a hip injury amid ongoing transfer links to Inter Milan. The midfielder returned to training this week having missed the defeat by Monaco.

Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike are longer-term absentees with knee and Achilles injuries respectively.

Victor Munoz and Alexis Mac Allister are back from their post-World Cup breaks but start alongside Liverpool’s second string in an initial behind-closed-doors friendly against Como being held at their training ground on Sunday, before Iraola is expected to name a strong side in the second match at Anfield.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

Injured: Bradley, Leoni, Ekitike, Gomez, Danns