Liverpool missing six players as Andoni Iraola prepares for Atletico in Champions League

The Spanish coach must balance European commitments with domestic football, despite having limited experience at this level. His only previous continental campaign came during a short Europa League spell with AEK Larnaca, making this season his first involvement in the Champions League.

Iraola will have several players unavailable for the meeting with Atletico, while Cody Gakpo remains a doubt. The forward sat out Tuesday's training session as a precaution, according to journalist Paul Joyce.

Joe Gomez is also set to miss the match because of a muscle problem, although his return to training means he is the closest of Liverpool's injured players to a comeback.

Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are unavailable for European duty after being left out of the squad because of Champions League registration restrictions concerning non-homegrown players.

Neither can be added until January. Chiesa is also recovering from injury and is not expected back in training until the international break starting on 21 September.

Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are sidelined with ACL and knee injuries respectively, while Hugo Ekitike continues his recovery from an Achilles problem. Bradley and Ekitike remain out long term.

Bradley Barcola provides another attacking option for Iraola as Liverpool prepare for their opening European assignment.

"I think he's ready to play more minutes," Iraola said of Barcola.

"He has been training quite normally. The only thing is he hasn't had the pre-season minutes that normally players have.

"We have to consider this, but I see him in a really good place. I think he can play more minutes definitely." 

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho pleased as Real Madrid survive 'crazy' Champions League game against Inter