Liverpool news: Reds build momentum as Chelsea cup tie looms

Liverpool made it four straight wins with a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Sunday. Two goals in five first-half minutes settled it: Florian Wirtz's shot took a heavy deflection off Pascal Gross for the opener on 17 minutes, and the second followed soon after.

Virgil van Dijk was pleased with the clean sheet and the 'aggressive' performance, praising his partnership with Jeremy Jacquet at the back. Cody Gakpo admitted the Reds were 'a little bit lucky' with the deflection but saw it as reward for an 'all-in mentality' that the squad must maintain.

Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler took a swipe afterwards, claiming 'one team' tried to create, though the result was never in doubt.

Florian Wirtz has moved to calm concerns after limping off in the 65th minute against Brighton with what looked like a twisted ankle. The German said 'it won't be long', a welcome update for a player finding his form.

Andoni Iraola was non-committal on Monday, and the club will assess Wirtz along with Jeremie Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz ahead of the Chelsea game. The squad held a recovery session on Monday as attention turned to the Carabao Cup.

With a busy week ahead, Iraola may not risk anyone who is not fully fit.

Andoni Iraola goes into Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea with a selection puzzle. Federico Chiesa could be recalled to the starting XI after limited minutes, while the manager may turn to a wildcard at centre-back given the quick turnaround.

The absence of a recognised partner for Virgil van Dijk, with Jeremy Jacquet likely rested, leaves Iraola weighing his options. Chelsea will provide a stern test, but the cups have often been a platform for squad players under the new regime.

Expect a mix of youth and experience as Liverpool try to keep their winning run going.

Liverpool are reportedly ready to move on from Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez next summer, with no new contracts on offer for the long-serving pair. That would mark a significant shift in defence. The club is already scouting replacements, with Luka Vuskovic said to be a target and Real Madrid also interested.

In midfield, Monaco's Lamine Camara is high on the list, while a move for Ismaila Sarr has been ruled out. Valencia's David Otorbi has been played down, but Benfica right-back Daniel Banjaqui is admired by Iraola. Ronald Araujo's impressive loan form has raised questions about a permanent £47m deal.

Florian Wirtz is beginning to show why Liverpool invested so heavily in him, with journalist David Lynch praising his work rate and growing influence. Wirtz also learned that his goal against Brighton would go down as a Pascal Gross own goal, a decision he instantly 'knew' was coming.

Ronald Araujo has spoken about his future, with an Anfield exit looming, though his performances have impressed. Cody Gakpo has called for the squad to maintain their 'all-in mentality' during a big week. The mood around the club is positive, but the impending departures of Van Dijk and Gomez loom large.