Liverpool handed timely double injury boost as Andoni Iraola confirms returns

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesAndoni IraolaAs Liverpool ramps up the preseason preparations under Andoni Iraola ahead of Sunday's game against Leeds, the Reds manager has confirmed two players are closing in on a return to full fitnessAndoni Iraola has been handed an injury boost for Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has been handed a timely double injury boost, having revealed that Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic are nearing returns.It comes as the Reds have struggled with depth in the roster available to the new manager, as a mixture of late returns from the World Cup and injuries have played a part.While players are starting to return from their staggered summer breaks, with a trio of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Ryan Gravenberch set to feature against Leeds United on Sunday, there are still several issues to address. At centre-back in particular, Liverpool looks light on options with Joe Gomez's recent injury combining with doubts over Jeremy Jacquet's availability over the coming days.With Virgil van Dijk returning to training back on Merseyside, and as Giovanni Leoni ramps up his preparations to return from a long-term injury, the Reds are looking light on options.Fortunately for Iraola, a return for Endo in the near future could add some further depth at the back as an emergency centre-back option, while he and Bajcetic could also add cover in midfield.The manager revealed their timely return to LFCTV, as he said: "Stefan [Bajcetic] is training basically fully with the team.

Wataru [Endo] has started training more progressively but [is] very close to being ready.“I hope Wata [Endo] can play probably against Monaco. He should be able to have some minutes.”KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 07: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Wataru Endo of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 07, 2026 in Kirkby, England.

(Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)It means that, while the duo won't face off with Leeds in the final preseason tour game of America, a return on the cards against AS Monaco could help share the workload.That could be a particular boost in the defence, due to the aforementioned injuries, though the midfield ranks are looking slightly more stacked.All of Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, and Trey Nyoni are available at the manager's disposal, while Alexis Mac Allister is expected to return in the next week.While that could limit minutes for Endo and Bajcetic, it could ease the pressure on them making such a quick return to action in the weeks ahead.Both stars have suffered from injury issues, especially Bajcetic, who has missed over a year of action after undergoing surgery on his hamstring.It means a more measured approach can be taken to the duo, who are looking to battle back to full fitness for an important season up ahead.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAndoni IraolaStefan BajčetićWataru Endo