Liverpool will look to protect their perfect Champions League start when Villarreal visit Anfield, but they’re also planning future transfers in the background.
Andoni Iraola’s side have taken six points from their opening two European games, beating Atlético Madrid 2-1 before a chaotic 6-3 victory over LASK.
The Reds also enter the game with fresh momentum after Alexander Isak scored the winner in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League victory at Brentford.
Villarreal lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund in their European opener but responded by beating Napoli 3-1, so they arrive with three points and enough quality to punish another uneven Liverpool performance.
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Liverpool injury list ahead of Villarreal |
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|---|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Injury or concern |
Status |
Latest update |
|
Victor Muñoz |
Unconfirmed issue |
Doubtful |
Missed Monday’s training after taking several knocks against Brentford. A late decision is expected. |
|
Dominik Szoboszlai |
Hamstring |
Out |
Aggravated an existing problem at Brentford. The injury has not worsened, but Liverpool will take a cautious approach. |
|
Jeremie Frimpong |
Muscle injury |
Out |
Suffered the problem shortly after coming on against Brentford. Unlikely to return before the November international break. |
|
Conor Bradley |
Knee |
Out |
Recovering after surgery on a significant knee injury. He is training individually but has no confirmed return date. |
|
Giovanni Leoni |
ACL and further knee damage |
Out |
Yet to play this season. Liverpool hope he can resume team training during the November international break. |
|
Hugo Ekitiké |
Ruptured Achilles |
Out |
Remains in long-term rehabilitation after suffering the injury in April. A return around January remains possible. |
Liverpool will be without Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong through injury.
However, Isak and Cody Gakpo have returned to fitness, while Ryan Gravenberch is available after missing the LASK game through suspension.
Ronald Araújo could therefore have another important role at the heart of the defence.
The Uruguay international joined Liverpool from Barcelona on a season-long loan in August, and the agreement includes an option to make the move permanent for around £47m next summer.
Araujo has quickly settled into life on Merseyside and Fabrizio Romano believes his future will become a major story in 2027.
Liverpool £47m Ronald Araújo deal ‘one to watch’ after Fabrizio Romano update
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said that the early signs surrounding a permanent deal for Araujo are positive, with the £180,000-per-week South American loving life at Liverpool.
“It’s like fresh air.
“At Liverpool, it was not easy for Araujo to leave Barcelona because Araujo loves Barca. Araujo was a captain; Araujo was a big friend of all his teammates.
“So, Araujo loves life at Barcelona, but now he’s very happy at Liverpool. The connection has been very good with the fans.
“So, the Araujo situation is definitely one to watch for 2027.”
Romano added:
“Today Ronald Araujo speaking to the press said it’s too early, I don’t know what’s going to happen, I am very happy here, I feel very comfortable, but I don’t know what’s going to happen, it’s too early.
“And the reality is that Liverpool will decide in 2027 what to do with Ronald Araujo.
“So, not now, and I am told not even in December, January.
“Liverpool will take their time, but Liverpool feedback on Ronald Araujo are very positive.”
Iraola and the recruitment team can now use the full season to assess Araujo’s performances, fitness and suitability for the Premier League.
The 27-year-old is also under no immediate pressure to decide, as he remains contracted to Barcelona but has admitted that he and his family are enjoying life in Liverpool.
Araujo offers pace, strength and aggression at centre back, while he can also cover at right back, and those qualities make him particularly valuable during a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
Villarreal represents another chance for the defender to strengthen his case.
Victory would leave Liverpool with nine points from three Champions League games and continue their encouraging response to the recent 3-0 defeat against Man City.
Nothing will be settled in January, but the possibility of a permanent agreement is clearly alive.
