Andoni Iraola confirms brilliant injury news

Andoni Iraola has confirmed some brilliant injury news for Liverpool.

The Spaniard has not had it easy at Anfield. He is already having to contend with a squad that is simply very much out of its depth and severely needing new additions, but on top of that his team has been decimated by injuries.

Iraola has a real problem at the heart of his defence right now.

Joe Gomez remains out injured, Giovanni Leoni is still building his fitness after a long spell on the sidelines, and Virgil van Dijk has yet to feature fully in pre-season, continuing his work back at the AXA Training Centre instead.

As if that wasn't enough, new signing Jeremy Jacquet has also picked up a knock.

It has left Iraola desperately short of senior centre-back options at exactly the wrong time.

Across Liverpool's opening two friendlies, Luke Chambers, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe have carried the load in central defence. They're all exciting young prospects with plenty of potential, but the fact they're shouldering so much responsibility says everything about Liverpool's current situation.

Pre-season should be the perfect opportunity to drill new tactical ideas, build partnerships and help players get to grips with a new manager's demands.

Instead, Iraola has been forced to patch together a defence with whoever is fit enough to play. It's far from ideal, especially when establishing defensive chemistry is one of the biggest priorities ahead of a new season.

The good news is that the situation should ease in the coming weeks. Virgil van Dijk will eventually return, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are both expected back from injury, and Jeremy Jacquet's setback isn't thought to be anything serious.

But the fact Liverpool are already dealing with these problems before a competitive ball has even been kicked says plenty about the state of the squad. It's far from the ideal way for Andoni Iraola to begin his reign.

There are still clear gaps in the defence that need addressing, with right-back looking particularly vulnerable.

Conor Bradley's injury has left Liverpool short in that area, and there is still no clear timeline for his return. Given his recent fitness record, it's another reminder that relying on him alone would be a gamble. If Liverpool want to avoid finding themselves in this position again during the season, further defensive reinforcements should be a priority.

On top of all of this, Iraola also had a bit of a scare at the weekend. Jeremie Frimpong limped off in the second-half against Leeds United and looked to have picked up an injury.

However, Iraola confirmed some really brilliant news for Liverpool speaking to the club's media.

He said: "Jeremie asked for the sub but I don't think it's an injury. It was just some overload and I hope he's not injured in that way. I don't think we've lost anyone."

That's great news. Right now Frimpong is Liverpool's only recognised right-back and that might change if Liverpool enter the market but at this stage it's looking very likely he will have to start the first game against Newcastle United.

So the fact that he hasn't suffered any injuries and it was just a precaution when he came off in last weekend's game is brilliant to hear.

Ultimately, though it's also a reminder of just how close Liverpool are to a full blown crisis. Richard Hughes has a busy few weeks ahead of him.