Team News: Eight players could miss Liverpool’s clash with Brentford | OneFootball

Liverpool Fitness Concerns Before Brentford Trip

Liverpool travel to Brentford on Saturday night searching for a Premier League result, although preparations have been complicated by fitness concerns. Arne Slot, has begun this campaign with mixed results, provided updates on several key squad members ahead of the journey to the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford, fresh from a morale boosting win over West Ham United, are aiming to make home advantage count.

Injury Watch for Slot and Andrews

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak are facing late assessments before Liverpool finalise their squad. Gravenberch picked up an ankle injury during the victory over Manchester United last weekend and remained at home for the Champions League win in Frankfurt. Isak scored in that 5 to 1 triumph, although he departed at half time due to a groin issue.

Slot admitted that decisions will go right to the wire. He said, “Alex, not too bad. [A] question mark for the weekend, so let’s see where he is then.” Slot added, “And that’s the same to be said about Ryan. He didn’t travel with us [to Frankfurt], so today we are in again. Yesterday we were in as well but we had a day to travel. Let’s see where he is today.”

Photo: IMAGO

Jeremie Frimpong will not feature following the hamstring injury sustained in midweek, and goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains unavailable. Giovanni Leoni continues his long term recovery from an ACL tear.

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews confirmed that his squad situation has not changed significantly. Aaron Hickey is nearing a comeback from a Scotland duty injury, although he will not make this match. Andrews said, “The players are in a good place, it’s been a good week,” before adding, “Injuries are pretty much as we were, I suppose. Aaron Hickey won’t make this weekend but he’ll be back in training over the next few days. The rest of the boys are pretty much available.”

Familiar Faces in Brentford Colours

Caoimhin Kelleher is one of four former Liverpool players likely to feature against his old club. Jordan Henderson, Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg are also now wearing Brentford colours. Kelleher has started every league fixture for Andrews since signing in the summer, and Slot praised his decision to pursue regular football. Slot said, “He felt it was time for him to start playing, and he has shown that he is right because he is doing really well.”

Slot acknowledged the influence of Henderson too, stating, “In Holland they cannot stop talking about how much Ajax is missing Jordan Henderson, so that tells you how important he was for Ajax and how important he has been for Liverpool and how important he now is for Brentford.”

Match Context and Key Factors

Both sides have produced lively attacking numbers early in the season. Liverpool have netted 14 goals across their opening fixtures, while Brentford are close behind with 11. The Bees have also shown sharp finishing with an 18.3 per cent conversion rate. The midfield battle and fitness of Liverpool’s creative outlets could define the rhythm of the contest.

Liverpool will aim to maintain momentum at a ground that often produces unpredictable encounters. Brentford have adapted quickly under Andrews, and with several players facing their former team, narrative subplots add extra intrigue to a fixture that already carries importance for both clubs.