Andoni Iraola facing Liverpool headache as SEVEN stars could miss Premier League opener

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Liverpool are set to discover their Premier League fixture list but may be forced to kick off their opening match without several crucial players. The Reds' schedule is due to be revealed at 10am on Friday.

The World Cup is currently dominating headlines and the competition could have repercussions for Liverpool if their stars advance deep into the tournament. The Premier League campaign will begin on the weekend of Saturday, August 22, allowing a month's break between the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.

New manager Andoni Iraola will be eager to begin his tenure with three points after taking over from Arne Slot in the hot seat. However, the Spanish boss may be forced to give players time off for the opening fixture if squad members reach the World Cup final, which would likely result in a lengthier break and a curtailed pre-season after their international triumph.

The Netherlands reaching the World Cup final would pose the greatest potential disruption to Iraola's plans , given that their squad features three Liverpool players. Virgil van Dijk is among the Liverpool representatives and the skipper has already left his mark on the competition by netting against Japan in his nation's opening fixture .

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Fellow Reds Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo featured in the draw with Japan and are integral figures in Ronald Koeman's squad, who are also facing Sweden and Tunisia in Group F. All three Liverpool players will be relied upon heavily should the Netherlands progress deep into the tournament, which could mean the trio are carefully phased into the new Premier League campaign.

Florian Wirtz is part of the Germany squad pursuing a fifth World Cup triumph. The Liverpool forward set up his side's opening goal in their 7-1 thrashing of Curacao as Julian Nagelsmann's team aim to qualify from a group that also features Ivory Coast and Ecuador .

Alexis Mac Allister will be hoping he can contribute to another World Cup success with Argentina . The 27-year-old had not yet signed for Liverpool when he claimed the prestigious trophy in 2022.

The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Anfield but remains contracted to the Reds until 2028. Argentina will harbour ambitions of defending the World Cup following their opening 3-0 victory against Algeria , thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick.

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Alisson Becker will be hoping Brazil can recover from their stalemate with Morocco . The experienced goalkeeper regained fitness in time to claim his spot in Carlo Ancelotti's side.

As Brazil's undisputed first choice, he will play a pivotal part in the tournament. With a record five titles to their name and the formidable Ancelotti at the helm, Brazil remain among the leading contenders for World Cup glory.

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak delivered an emphatic display for Sweden , scoring and laying on two assists against Tunisia. While the prospect of Sweden lifting the trophy remains a long shot, the striker's stuttering start to his Liverpool career last year serves as a reminder of how a player's sharpness can be affected during the summer break.