Liverpool are expected to be without Dominik Szoboszlai and Víctor Muñoz for Wednesday’s League Cup encounter against Chelsea, according to the Evening Standard.
Andoni Iraola’s side have struggled with injuries this season, with Szoboszlai, last season’s Player of the Year, yet to recover from a hamstring problem he picked up during the international break.
The midfielder missed two matches after his initial injury before returning to the starting lineup against Brentford earlier this month. However, he was forced off before the 30-minute mark after suffering a recurrence of the problem.
Jeremie Frimpong also sustained a muscle injury during the same game and is expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines, while Víctor Muñoz has been unavailable since picking up a knee injury. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz suffered a minor setback during Liverpool’s victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Iraola remains uncertain whether all four players will be fit for the League Cup showdown against Chelsea.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “We have to wait and see.
We still have training later. Wirtz is in pretty good shape and is optimistic that he can play.
As for Szoboszlai and Víctor Muñoz, I’m not so sure. I don’t want to say they definitely won’t make it, but I think it’s harder for them to play than for Wirtz.”
The injury concerns represent a setback for Liverpool, although Chelsea are also dealing with fitness issues, with João Pedro and Reece James expected to miss the trip to Anfield.
Iraola also anticipates a physically demanding contest against Chelsea, who are managed by his childhood friend Xabi Alonso.
“All teams are tough these days; they don’t just sit back defensively. They all want to press, so there won’t be much space.”
