By Isaac Mission
Liverpool could be without as many as eight players when Fulham visit Anfield, with several members of Andoni Iraola's squad still being assessed ahead of the Premier League fixture.
The Reds head into the weekend with confidence after recording consecutive victories in all competitions. Liverpool defeated Ipswich Town in the league before following that up with a Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
However, their preparations have been complicated by a number of fitness concerns, with Cody Gakpo among the players whose availability remains uncertain.
Gakpo facing late fitness test
Gakpo missed the Atletico Madrid match after suffering a muscle problem during Liverpool's victory over Ipswich.
Iraola confirmed that the forward had not trained before the European fixture but suggested that a late decision could be made regarding his involvement against Fulham.
The Liverpool boss indicated that Gakpo would undergo further assessment before the match, leaving his participation dependent on how he responds.
Barcola and Kerkez expected to be fine
Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez both raised concerns after being substituted during the Atletico Madrid encounter.
Barcola, who had made his full debut, was seen limping after receiving treatment, while Kerkez was also forced off.
Liverpool subsequently clarified that neither player had suffered a fresh injury, with both experiencing cramp and fatigue.
Iraola will nevertheless assess the pair before the Fulham game, although both are expected to be available if their recovery progresses normally.
Gomez nearing comeback
Joe Gomez has taken another step towards returning after missing the start of the campaign with a muscular injury sustained during Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States.
The defender has now resumed training, although his lack of recent competitive football means Liverpool may choose to manage his comeback carefully.
Gomez was not included in the squad for the Atletico Madrid fixture, so a decision will still have to be made over whether he is ready to return against Fulham.
Chiesa still sidelined
Federico Chiesa remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a muscular problem.
The Italian forward has endured a frustrating start to the campaign and is not expected to return to action immediately.
Liverpool are instead hopeful that Chiesa can resume training during the upcoming international break.
Leoni closing in on return
Giovanni Leoni is also approaching the final stages of his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury that has kept him out for an extended period.
The defender has started taking part in partial training and is expected to rejoin full team sessions during the international break.
If his recovery continues without setbacks, October could provide a realistic timeframe for his return to competitive action.
Bradley facing longer recovery
Conor Bradley remains further away from a first-team comeback following the serious knee injury he suffered earlier in the year.
The right-back underwent surgery and is continuing with his rehabilitation programme. Liverpool are understood to be targeting a return before the end of the year, although there is still considerable work to complete before he can be considered for selection.
Ekitike's return remains some way off
Hugo Ekitike is another long-term absentee after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture.
Although Liverpool included the striker in their Champions League squad, Iraola has stressed that his return is still some distance away.
The manager explained that Ekitike has a significant rehabilitation programme ahead of him, but there is optimism that he could potentially play a role towards the latter stages of the Champions League group phase.
January has also been identified as a more realistic target for his return, although much will depend on how his recovery progresses.
Liverpool therefore face Fulham with several players either ruled out or subject to late fitness decisions, although the Reds will hope their recent winning run can continue at Anfield.