Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has said that Dominik Szoboszlai and Víctor Muñoz both have a chance of being available for Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Arsenal at Anfield.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Iraola offered an encouraging update on the two players, although neither is guaranteed to feature against the reigning champions.
“I think Szoboszlai and Muñoz have a chance but we still have two days. I think they have a chance, yes,” he said.
Szoboszlai has been struggling with a hamstring problem and suffered a setback when he returned to the starting line-up in the win at Brentford earlier this month, having to be substituted.
The Hungarian midfielder subsequently missed Liverpool’s matches against Villarreal and Brighton, as well as Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea.
Muñoz has also been absent in recent weeks after taking a knock to his knee during the victory at Brentford. Although he managed to complete that match, the pain has prevented him from returning to competitive action.
Iraola had previously expressed uncertainty over whether either player would recover in time to face Chelsea, but his latest comments suggest both remain in contention for Sunday’s encounter.
Liverpool will be particularly keen to welcome Szoboszlai back following his interrupted return from injury. However, given his previous setback, the club will be conscious of the risks involved in bringing him back too quickly.
Elsewhere, Liverpool remain without Jeremie Frimpong, who suffered a hamstring injury at Brentford and is not expected to return before the November international break.
Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are also continuing their recoveries from long-term injuries.
There is better news concerning Florian Wirtz, who returned from an ankle problem to feature against Chelsea in midweek, providing Iraola with another attacking option ahead of Arsenal’s visit.
Arsenal have selection problems of their own. Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are both ruled out, Max Dowman is suspended, and Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice are doubts.
Second-placed Arsenal arrive at Anfield six points ahead of Liverpool after eight league matches, with the Reds currently fourth in the table.
However, Liverpool have been building momentum, winning five consecutive matches in all competitions, including Wednesday’s 6-5 penalty shootout success against Chelsea after a 1-1 draw.
Sunday’s encounter offers Iraola’s side an opportunity to reduce the gap to the defending champions and underline their ambitions this season.
Liverpool face Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday 1 November, with kick-off scheduled for 4.30pm UK time.
