Eight players could miss Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid including Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo has handed Liverpool an injury scare and he could be one of eight players to miss the Reds' opening Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Andoni Iraola is hoping to kick off his European campaign with victory, having been spurred on by Liverpool's 2-0 win over Ipswich last week. However, Iraola has been forced to navigate a lengthy injury list and is without several of his big names for the visit of Diego Simeone's side. Heading into the Champions League match, Gakpo, who has started the season well, missed training on Tuesday and is now a doubt. The Dutchman has forged a strong partnership with Alexander Isak and would be a significant loss, having already contributed one goal and three assists this campaign. EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page Hugo Ekitike remains a long-term casualty for Liverpool as he continues his rehabilitation from a serious Achilles' injury sustained back in April. The Reds will also be without Conor Bradley, another long-term absentee under Iraola, with the right-back still recovering from a knee injury he picked up in January. Giovanni Leoni will similarly be absent, as he enters the final stages of his recovery from a knee injury suffered in September last year. Joe Gomez, however, has returned to training and could feature in the squad on Wednesday. Federico Chiesa is yet to make an appearance for Liverpool this season, with the Italy international also omitted from the Reds' Champions League squad, while Wataru Endo finds himself absent for identical reasons. For Atletico Madrid, Simeone will similarly be dealing with a number of absentees when he brings his side to Merseyside this week. Alexander Sorloth looks set to miss out for the La Liga club owing to a muscle injury that has kept the striker firmly on the treatment table. Atletico will also be without Arnau Ortiz, who faces a suspension following a red card he received during his last European appearance, in August 2024, in a UEFA Conference League qualifying fixture.