Andoni Iraola’s latest update leaves Liverpool waiting on two fitness calls before Liverpool vs Villarreal. Jeremie Frimpong looks likely to miss Tuesday’s Champions League tie, while Dominik Szoboszlai is still being handled carefully after a hamstring recurrence against Brentford.
Frimpong’s timeline
Iraola said Frimpong’s injury is a new one and that it will be difficult for him to return before the international break. Speaking to sportsmole.co.uk, he said: "The injuries are different circumstances. Jeremie Frimpong is a new injury and we will have to wait until he recovers, but it's going to be difficult before the break, we will try."
That lines up with the damage from the Brentford game. Frimpong was on for only seven minutes before he had to come off injured, and he has made just five Premier League appearances this season, totalling 201 minutes.
Szoboszlai’s setback
Szoboszlai’s case is less severe, but it is still a setback Liverpool do not need. He lasted 32 minutes against Brentford before going off with a recurrence of the same hamstring issue, and Iraola said the midfielder has not worsened the injury, only that he needs more patience.
Speaking to sportsmole.co.uk, Iraola said: "Dom is different, it's not a new one, it's the same place as past week, he hasn't worsened it but we will have to be a little bit more patient until he recovers fully."
The workload around Szoboszlai explains why Liverpool are being careful. He has already logged 473 Premier League minutes this season across six appearances, and his Champions League output has been strong, with one goal in one appearance and an 8.5 rating.
Liverpool’s next run is unforgiving enough without losing more rhythm in midfield and out wide. Villarreal arrive on Tuesday, and Liverpool’s schedule before the break also includes Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Arsenal, Fenerbahce and Crystal Palace.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →
