Liverpool Faces Arsenal with Szoboszlai and Munoz Possible Returns
Liverpool approaches the highly anticipated Premier League clash with Arsenal at Anfield this Sunday, buoyed by the potential return of Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz, who may contribute to one of the marquee matches of the weekend.
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Head coach Andoni Iraola has dealt with several fitness issues recently, but his latest comments provide optimism for the squad. Ahead of the match, Iraola remarked, “I think they have a chance. They have a chance. But I don’t know for sure if they will be involved or not. We still have two days, so I think we have a chance, yes.”
Photo: IMAGO
Update on Szoboszlai’s Fitness Ahead of Arsenal Match
Szoboszlai’s condition has attracted significant attention as he continues to deal with a hamstring issue, which has limited his playtime since the international break. He only managed 32 minutes in his return during the Brentford match earlier this month and has been absent from five of Liverpool’s last six games.
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His absence has been noticeable. When healthy, Szoboszlai is a key asset for Liverpool, contributing energy, control, and forward momentum in the midfield. His possible return for the match against Arsenal would provide a significant boost for Iraola.
Munoz’s Return Could Enhance Liverpool’s Attack
Meanwhile, Munoz remains a contender after recovering from a right knee injury sustained in the latter stages of the Brentford match, where he also scored. However, competition for forward positions is intense.
Players like Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, and Rio Ngumoha have all shown promising performances, suggesting Munoz may start on the bench. Regardless, his presence would still contribute valuable depth and varied tactics in what is expected to be a competitive matchup.
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Anticipated Liverpool Lineup Against Arsenal
For the Arsenal encounter, Liverpool is likely to reinstate several pivotal players following their midweek rotation during the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea. Alisson Becker is expected to reclaim the starting goalkeeper position, with Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz, Barcola, and Alexander Isak likely to lead the charge.
Due to the unavailability of Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, Ronald Araujo is anticipated to shift back to right-back, allowing Virgil van Dijk to partner with Jacquet in central defense. Ryan Gravenberch seems set to continue in midfield after a full match against Chelsea, likely alongside Mac Allister.
Fears regarding Wirtz’s ankle injury from the Brighton game have eased following his involvement in the Chelsea fixture.
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Projected Liverpool XI for the Arsenal Match
Liverpool is expected to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on their strongest available lineup for this crucial league face-off. While Szoboszlai’s condition could impact the attacking midfield setup, the current anticipation points to a starting XI of Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Unavailable players include Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Jeremie Frimpong, with Szoboszlai and Munoz remaining doubtful ahead of the match. The next 48 hours may significantly influence the atmosphere surrounding this Arsenal showdown.
