Liverpool Round-Up, Monday 5th October: Haaland Injury Doubt and Wirtz Frustration Dominate as Man City Clash Looms
The international break is drawing to a close and Liverpool's attention is firmly on Sunday's huge clash with Manchester City at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola reportedly handed a boost as seven Liverpool players are set for a swift return to training (Liverpool.com). Iraola himself has been the subject of praise, with Sky Sports assessing his unbeaten start as Liverpool boss ahead of what could be a 'lift-off' moment against City (Sky Sports), while the Echo notes there are plenty of reasons why Anfield will give City a hostile welcome this weekend (Liverpool Echo). Fans looking to attend can find details on last-minute tickets (Liverpool Echo), and Sky Sports has confirmed the referee appointed for the game (Sky Sports). Elsewhere, Enzo Maresca is reported to face a crunch meeting regarding Manchester City before the fixture, with City returning to action after being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules (Liverpool.com).
The main injury talking point involves City forward Erling Haaland, who asked to be substituted during Norway's loss to Portugal (This Is Anfield) (Liverpool Echo). The Norway coach has moved to clarify the situation, with reports suggesting fears have been played down somewhat, though City could still be missing a number of players for the trip to Anfield (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool Echo). This Is Anfield also reports that Liverpool could be in line for a financial windfall from FIFA's compensation scheme amid fresh double injury concerns of their own (Liverpool.com).
On the home front, there is worry over Jeremy Jacquet, who was left out of the France squad for their final international game against Belgium, sparking a fresh injury scare for Liverpool (Liverpool.com) (This Is Anfield). Jacquet has otherwise impressed, reflecting on 'years of suffering' before a 'fantastic' start to his season for club and country (Liverpool Echo), and it has emerged that Liverpool stumbled upon him while scouting a Manchester United player (Liverpool.com). Milos Kerkez also missed Hungary's final game of the break against Ukraine after being released early by his country (Liverpool.com). Sky Sports also reports that Lewis Koumas could step in for Liverpool amid fitness doubts over Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo (Sky Sports).
Florian Wirtz captained Germany but was left frustrated after a 0-0 draw with Greece, with the midfielder admitting his annoyance at the result (This Is Anfield) (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool.com). Jurgen Klopp handed Wirtz a new role during the game, with German media delivering their verdict on his performance, and This Is Anfield urging patience in judging his form (Liverpool Echo) (This Is Anfield) (Liverpool Echo). Elsewhere on international duty, Virgil van Dijk enjoyed a landmark night, winning his 100th cap for the Netherlands and admitting it was an emotional occasion, with Dutch media giving their verdict on his and Ryan Gravenberch's displays in the win over Serbia (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool Echo) (This Is Anfield) (LiverpoolFC.com). Liverpool.com's round-up also touched on six Reds in international action, including further faith shown in Wirtz by Klopp (Liverpool.com). Craig Bellamy reportedly gave Iraola another boost during the break (This Is Anfield), while Jeremie Frimpong is said to have been overlooked by Xavi in a difficult start to the season (This Is Anfield). Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, has praised young Rio Ngumoha, backing him to become a decisive figure for England (Liverpool Echo).
On the transfer front, Liverpool are said to admire Bournemouth's Alex Scott, with Tuchel and Roy Keane both full of praise for the midfielder (Liverpool.com), though a worrying injury has now been confirmed that could leave his proposed move in serious doubt (Liverpool.com). This Is Anfield reports Liverpool have made contact over Scott but that rivals are currently leading the race (This Is Anfield). Liverpool are also said to have explored a move for Endrick, with his future potentially being decided in January (This Is Anfield) (This Is Anfield). Real Madrid have reportedly entered the race for a $100million target also being chased by Liverpool and Chelsea (Liverpool.com), while former Red Luis Diaz has been given cause for concern following a reported contract ultimatum from Bayern Munich teammate Michael Olise (Liverpool Echo). Columnist John Aldridge has suggested Van Dijk could eventually leave Liverpool and offered his view on who should replace him (Liverpool Echo).
Away from the pitch, Steven Gerrard has landed a new role, joining Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher on The Overlap Daily, a new YouTube football show launching on weekdays (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool.com). LiverpoolFC.com has also shared the story of academy prospect Matty Wright's journey from non-league football to Liverpool (LiverpoolFC.com), while supporters can enjoy a look back at the club's Goal of the Month for August and September (LiverpoolFC.com).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.