Liverpool injury update: Hugo Ekitike, Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Leoni latest news and return dates

Liverpool welcomed back Joe Gomez to the first-team fold in their 3-1 win over Tottenham. The Reds had been missing the centre-back, who suffered a muscle injury at the start of pre-season, and had been sidelined since July. He returned to the starting XI against Spurs, lasting 45 minutes before being replaced by Jeremy Jacquet. It therefore leaves the Merseysiders with one fewer injury absentee in another boost for Andoni Iraola, who is beginning to see his Anfield project take shape.Hugo EkitikeThe French striker is the Reds’ biggest miss at the moment. The forward ruptured his Achilles back in April against Paris Saint-Germain, and has not featured since. He missed the World Cup, and as such he is eyeing a return to action before the turn of the year. Ekitike has recently posted a video of him doing some ball work again as he works his way back to full fitness, but do not expect him to be making a full comeback any time soon.Potential return date: December 2026Returning: Federico ChiesaGettyFederico ChiesaThe winger suffered a back problem against Como in the final pre-season friendly in August. He has not played at all for the Reds this term, but he is the closest to being back. He could well return to team training before the international break at the end of the month.Potential return date: Sunday October 11, vs Manchester City (H)Conor BradleyBradley has not featured for the Reds since the start of the year, when he suffered a serious knee injury at Arsenal. The Northern Ireland international could well be back around the same time as Ekitike, with the Reds needing to sign Ronald Araujo on loan during the summer to temporarily replace the right-back. Potential return date: November 2026Comeback pending: Conor BradleyGettyGiovanni LeoniItalian defender Leoni tore his ACL on his debut against Southampton last year. He therefore missed the entirety of last term, and he has still not made a comeback yet this season.He is expected to return to training - at last - during the international break, but it depends as to when he will be fully fit and ready to return to matchplay. Potential return date: October 2026