Andoni Iraola could soon get his wish as Liverpool wait for confirmation of big injury boost

Leoni, Bradley and Ekitike closing in on returns to training; Leoni expected back in November, Bradley in light training soon, Ekitike targeting festive period.

Liverpool's three long-term injury absentees are nearing significant milestones in their recoveries. Giovanni Leoni, sidelined since September with an ACL injury complicated by other knee damage, is expected to return to team training during the November international break after a one-month delay from the original plan.

Manager Andoni Iraola explained the setback: "It was not just an ACL – it was a bad injury, a lot of things around the knee were involved."

Conor Bradley, out since January with a serious injury, is close to joining light training with the group, while Hugo Ekitike is progressing well on his Achilles injury recovery and hopes to return over the festive period. Iraola said of Bradley and Ekitike: "They are both doing very well. Conor is not so far from training with the group – not like full training but doing some things with the group."

Liverpool face Manchester United on November 22 after the international break, though none of the trio are expected to feature immediately upon their training returns.