Liverpool could receive a massive double injury boost ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League showdown against Arsenal, with Andoni Iraola confirming that both Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz still have a chance of featuring at Anfield.
The Reds are preparing for one of their biggest tests of the season as they welcome Arsenal, but there could be some positive news on the injury front after two important players missed Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea.
Szoboszlai and Munoz were both absent as Liverpool progressed to the quarter-finals following a dramatic penalty shootout win against the Blues. However, their chances of returning against Arsenal have not been completely ruled out.
Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Iraola offered an encouraging update on the pair, although he admitted that their availability remains uncertain.
“They have a chance, but I don’t know for sure if they will be involved or not, but we still have two days so I think we have a chance,” the Liverpool manager explained.
The update will certainly come as a relief to Liverpool supporters, particularly given the importance of Sunday’s fixture.
SZOBOSZLAI STILL BATTLING RECURRING HAMSTRING PROBLEM
Szoboszlai has been dealing with a recurring hamstring issue that has disrupted his involvement in recent weeks.
The Hungarian midfielder last featured for Liverpool in their 2-1 victory over Brentford on October 17, but his latest setback has kept him out of action since then.
His potential return would be a significant boost for Iraola, considering the energy, intensity, creativity and work rate he brings to Liverpool’s midfield.
The 25-year-old has become an important figure in the team, and having him available against an opponent of Arsenal’s quality could make a considerable difference.
However, Liverpool will not want to take unnecessary risks with the midfielder, especially given his history of recurring fitness problems.
MUNOZ ALSO HAS A CHANCE TO RETURN
Victor Munoz is another player who could make a timely comeback.
The winger has missed Liverpool’s last three matches after picking up a knee injury during the Brentford encounter.
His absence has reduced Iraola’s attacking options, but the manager’s latest comments suggest that the youngster could still be involved this weekend.
Whether Munoz is fit enough to start or only make the substitutes’ bench remains to be seen.
FRIMPONG FACING ANOTHER SPELL ON THE SIDELINES
Unfortunately, the news is less encouraging regarding Jeremie Frimpong.
The Dutchman is unlikely to feature against Arsenal after suffering another hamstring problem during the Brentford game.
Frimpong was introduced as a substitute but was forced off just seven minutes later, raising fresh concerns about his fitness.
His absence would be another setback for Liverpool, particularly with the demands of the Premier League and European football continuing to pile up.
IRAOLA DEFENDS GRAVENBERCH AMID QUESTIONS OVER HIS FORM
Meanwhile, Iraola has also defended Ryan Gravenberch following questions about the midfielder’s inconsistent performances this season.
The Liverpool boss acknowledged that the Dutch international has experienced both good and difficult moments but insisted that he remains an important player.
“He is playing a lot a lot of minutes and has played also very good games recently,” Iraola said.
“He has had better games and worse games. We trust him and we know what he can produce. Like other players, when he doesn’t play well we try to help him improve. He is in good place.”
The comments suggest that Gravenberch continues to enjoy the manager’s confidence despite the scrutiny surrounding his performances.
IRAOLA WARNS LIVERPOOL ABOUT THE ARSENAL CHALLENGE
Sunday’s meeting is particularly important for Liverpool’s Premier League ambitions.
The Reds currently sit fourth in the table, six points behind second-placed Arsenal. A victory at Anfield would allow Liverpool to cut that gap to just three points and send a strong message to their title rivals.
However, Iraola is refusing to get carried away by the league standings, insisting that his immediate priority is preparing his players for a difficult encounter.
“It’s too early to start looking at the standings, I think it’s about preparing ourselves for a very difficult game,” he explained.
The Liverpool manager also praised Arsenal’s quality, highlighting their organisation, understanding and impressive collection of players.
“We know Arsenal how good they are, very good players, working a lot, working in synchrony, knowing each other very well and we have to be ready for that challenge.”
He added that he trusts his players and believes the atmosphere at Anfield could provide an important advantage.
IRAOLA REVEALS WHAT LIVERPOOL MUST DO TO BEAT ARSENAL
Interestingly, Iraola also reflected on his previous record against Arsenal during his time at Bournemouth.
The Spaniard won three of the four matches his former side played against the Gunners, but he insisted that those results would have little relevance to Sunday’s encounter.
He explained that Liverpool cannot simply copy the tactics he previously used at Bournemouth because the players, circumstances and teams are completely different.
Instead, he believes Liverpool must be prepared to compete physically, win individual battles and make the most of important moments.
“It’s going to be a matter of winning the duels and running more than them, winning the aerial duels, winning the set-play mini games where you have to control situations,” Iraola said.
LIVERPOOL FANS WILL BE WATCHING THE INJURY UPDATES CLOSELY
With Arsenal arriving at Anfield in such an important Premier League fixture, Liverpool will need as many fit and available players as possible.
The possibility of having Szoboszlai and Munoz back is encouraging, but Frimpong’s absence remains a concern.
The final training sessions before Sunday’s encounter could provide a clearer picture of who will be available.
For now, Liverpool supporters will be hoping that Szoboszlai and Munoz can recover in time to give Iraola more options for a match that could have a major impact on the Reds’ position in the Premier League table.
