Andoni Iraola expects Florian Wirtz to be fit for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea.
The Anfield showdown sees the Germany international’s former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso returning to his one-time stomping ground.
Wirtz’s involvement in the third round tie initially appeared doubtful after he was withdrawn during Sunday’s win over Brighton with an ankle problem.
However Iraola is confident that he will be in contention to face the Londoners despite admitting Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz remain injury doubts.
Both Szoboszlai and Munoz missed the Reds’ victories over the Seagulls and Villarreal in the Champions League with knocks picked up at Brentford.
“We still have to wait, we train later. We want to (use) this last day,” admitted Iraola.
“He was quite fine [after the game], Florian. I’m quite optimistic that he will be available.
“With Dom and Victor, I’m not so sure. I don’t want to say no but I think it’s going to be more difficult than Florian, yes.”
The Liverpool head coach also outlined Jayden Danns’ next steps as the academy graduate continues his recovery following a lengthy knee injury.
Danns has made the matchday squad on three occasions and scored for the club’s under-21s in last weekend’s encounter with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
He added: “With Jayden, the problem has been until now this season the availability.
“He got injured just before starting pre-season here. He was here with the U21s and has had some setbacks and has been in and out.
“I think he is now building some good minutes, he scored also the other day. He is in a good place. He has been with us mostly in the European games.
“I hope he continues progressing and pushes to fight for minutes.”
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