Liverpool only have 15 available outfield players for LASK but won’t want to use UEFA loophole

Liverpool face a selection crisis ahead of their Champions League match against LASK, with manager Andoni Iraola potentially left with only 15 senior outfield players. Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai are doubtful after suffering injuries during the international break, joining Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, and Hugo Ekitike on the sidelines. Additionally, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are ineligible after being omitted from the European squad.

While UEFA regulations permit clubs to replace a player sidelined for at least 60 days, invoking the loophole would require sacrificing Ekitike, whom Iraola hopes will return by January. Consequently, the writer notes Liverpool are unlikely to utilize the option unless one of their recently injured stars faces an extended absence.