Liverpool’s Frimpong faces possible absence until November break; Szoboszlai needs more time
Andoni Iraola says Jeremie Frimpong has a new muscle injury, while Dominik Szoboszlai’s recurring problem has not worsened ahead of Liverpool’s match against Villarreal.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said on 19 October that Jeremie Frimpong’s new muscle injury could keep him out until the November international break, leaving the team short of options before Tuesday’s Champions League match against Villarreal at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai’s recurring problem has not worsened, Iraola said, but the midfielder needs more time to recover.
Both players were forced off during Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League win at Brentford on 17 October, Reuters reported. Frimpong had come on in the second half and lasted less than 10 minutes before suffering the injury, according to SB Nation’s account of the match and Iraola’s subsequent comments.
Frimpong’s recovery outlook before Villarreal
Iraola described Frimpong’s problem as a new muscle injury and said it happened within the first few minutes he was on the pitch. He called the recovery period difficult to predict but said a return before the November international break would be difficult. The break runs from 9 to 17 November, according to Reuters; Iraola did not give a firm return date.
Liverpool host Villarreal on Tuesday after winning their first two Champions League matches, Reuters reported. The outlet also identified Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni as longer-term absentees, adding to the selection problems Iraola faces as Liverpool prepare for the European fixture.
Szoboszlai’s recurring injury
Szoboszlai had returned against Brentford after missing the previous two matches, SB Nation reported. Reuters said the problem had kept the Hungary captain out of Liverpool’s defeat by Manchester City and Champions League win at LASK. Iraola said the issue was in the same place as the previous week and had not become worse, though Liverpool needed to be patient while he recovered fully.
Iraola praised Szoboszlai for making himself available for the physical Brentford match. Reuters reported that the 25-year-old has scored three goals in eight games in all competitions this season. Iraola said he did not expect a long wait for Szoboszlai’s return, but gave no specific date.
NewsJaws’ earlier report on Liverpool’s win at Brentford covered Iraola’s initial injury comments. His 19 October update adds a possible recovery window for Frimpong and clarifies that Szoboszlai’s existing problem has not worsened.
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Sources and context
- Iraola Updates Frimpong and Szoboszlai Injury StatusSB Nation (republished by Yahoo Sports)
- Liverpool urge patience with Szoboszlai injury, Frimpong suffers new setbackReuters (republished by Channel NewsAsia)
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.