Florian Wirtz doubtful for Liverpool's Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea with ankle issue

Liverpool will wait until the final hours before deciding whether Florian Wirtz can take part in their Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea. The German playmaker has been managing an ankle issue, and Andoni Iraola wants to assess his condition once more before naming his squad.

• Wirtz is struggling with an ankle problem and will be checked ahead of the meeting with Chelsea.
• Iraola is optimistic about Wirtz but sees Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz as less likely to play.
• Liverpool have four confirmed injury absentees and plan to rotate.
• Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer, suspended after his red card against Tottenham.

Wirtz's fitness and Iraola's late call

Wirtz has not been ruled out, but his place in the side is not guaranteed either. The coaching staff want to see how the ankle responds during the final training session before deciding whether to risk a player who has become an important part of the attacking structure. The problem is not considered serious, yet it is enough to delay a decision that would usually be made earlier.

Iraola spoke openly about the three players who are causing him concern, making it clear that he feels more positive about Wirtz than about the other two.

With Florian, I'm quite optimistic that he will be available. With Dom and Victor, I'm not so sure. I don't want to say no, but I think it's going to be more difficult than with Florian.

Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz remain major doubts

Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz are in a less encouraging situation. Szoboszlai has a thigh injury, while Munoz is dealing with a knee problem. Both have missed Liverpool's last two matches, and their progress does not suggest they will return for this cup tie.

Confirmed absentees and expected rotation

Liverpool will be without four players who are definitely unavailable through injury: Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremie Frimpong. With that in mind, Iraola has already indicated that there will be changes to the starting line-up.

Lewis Koumas, Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and Kostas Tsimikas are among those who could come into the side. Despite the rotation, the manager insists the team will not treat the competition as a secondary concern.

There will definitely be changes. But we want to win the game and be competitive.

Chelsea travel without Cole Palmer

Chelsea have an important absence of their own. Cole Palmer will serve a suspension following the red card he received against Tottenham on Saturday. His absence affects the London side's creative play in a competition where Liverpool have traditionally enjoyed strong cup runs.

Iraola dismisses a plan to unsettle Chelsea

Asked about Chelsea's disciplinary record in recent seasons, the Liverpool manager said his team will not approach the match with the aim of winding up their opponents or forcing cards. His focus is on the football rather than on anything beyond it.

It is not going to be in our team meeting. We will not say anything about that.