Andoni Iraola has offered Liverpool fans encouragement over Dominik Szoboszlai, but the midfielder will miss Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton after suffering another hamstring setback.
The 25-year-old was forced off during last weekend’s 2-1 win at Brentford, then missed Wednesday’s 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal. Liverpool have won three matches in a row across competitions, beating LASK 6-3 before those two victories, yet Szoboszlai’s absence presents another challenge during a demanding run of fixtures.
Speaking before Brighton‘s visit to Anfield, Iraola said Szoboszlai was “not far” from returning, although he has yet to rejoin team training. The midfielder is working individually outside, and the manager admitted Liverpool will allow extra time after the previous attempt to bring him back ended with an early substitution.
Iraola explains why Liverpool will be cautious
“We will probably take one or two days more than we did,” Iraola said, according to This Is Anfield’s report on his press conference. His comments point to a more careful return plan after Szoboszlai appeared to come back too soon from the hamstring problem he picked up following four matches with Hungary.
Liverpool cannot afford to rush the Hungarian again. His running, pressing and ability to carry the ball through midfield make him a key part of Iraola’s high-intensity approach, but another recurrence could cost the team more than a few matches. A return date has not been confirmed; This Is Anfield expects Arsenal’s visit on 1 November to be a possible target.
The midfielder’s absence adds to Liverpool’s selection problems ahead of Brighton. Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are unavailable, while Víctor Muñoz remains a doubt. Bradley Barcola trained normally on Friday and is available, according to Liverpool’s team news.
How should Liverpool manage Szoboszlai’s return?
With Szoboszlai unavailable, Iraola has several midfield options to consider rather than rushing his vice-captain back into action. Alexis Mac Allister can help control possession, while Ryan Gravenberch offers ball progression and Trey Nyoni provides another option. Wataru Endo and James McConnell could receive minutes in the Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea, depending on fitness and selection.
These alternatives matter because Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League with 12 points from seven games, having scored nine and conceded eight. Their Champions League campaign has brought three wins from three, but the schedule demands rotation if Iraola wants his pressing system to remain effective throughout matches.
A sensible return plan would require Szoboszlai to complete several full team training sessions before selection, with a substitute appearance considered only if the medical staff and player agree he is ready. Arsenal’s visit on 1 November offers a potential target, but Liverpool should not treat that fixture as a deadline.
The Brentford setback provides a clear warning: individual training signals progress, not match fitness. Liverpool have enough midfield options to cover Brighton and manage the cup tie, so Iraola should protect Szoboszlai’s long-term availability, even if that means delaying his return beyond the initial target.
