Szoboszlai and Muñoz Doubts for Liverpool's Carabao Cup Clash with Chelsea
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Muñoz are doubtful for the Carabao Cup last-16 tie against Chelsea. Szoboszlai has been struggling with a hamstring issue, while Muñoz has not played since suffering a knee injury. Jeremie Frimpong is out for several weeks.
- Competition: Carabao Cup last-16 tie
- Match: Liverpool vs Chelsea
- Injury doubts: Dominik Szoboszlai (hamstring), Victor Muñoz (knee)
- Out for weeks: Jeremie Frimpong (muscle)
- Better chance: Florian Wirtz (knock)
- Opposition injuries: João Pedro and Reece James expected to miss out for Chelsea
Injury and availability
Dominik Szoboszlai has been dealing with a hamstring problem since the international break. He returned briefly but broke down again against Brentford after only half an hour. The midfielder is now a major doubt for the Chelsea tie.
Victor Muñoz has not played since suffering a knee injury. Iraola did not sound optimistic about his chances of featuring against Chelsea.
Jeremie Frimpong is out for several weeks with a muscle issue picked up in the same Brentford game.
Florian Wirtz has a better chance after a knock in the recent win over Brighton. Iraola said the player was "quite fine and optimistic" about being available.
Chelsea have injury issues of their own, with João Pedro and Reece James expected to miss out. However, that offers only limited consolation for Liverpool.
What was said
"We still have to wait. We train later. Florian (Wirtz) was quite fine and optimistic he would be available. With Dom (Szoboszlai) and Victor (Munoz), I'm not so sure. I don't want to say no, but I think it's more difficult than Florian."
Iraola's cautious tone suggests he is preparing for the worst regarding Szoboszlai and Muñoz. The fact that Wirtz is considered more likely to feature highlights the uncertainty around the other two.
The Liverpool manager also expects a demanding tactical battle against Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso. "Nowadays all the teams are quite intense, not just sitting in a block. They want to press, and there won't be many spaces," Iraola added.
Why Liverpool's midfield depth will be tested
With Szoboszlai struggling and Muñoz also a doubt, Liverpool's midfield options are stretched. The hamstring issue for Szoboszlai is particularly concerning given he broke down after just 30 minutes against Brentford. Hamstrings are notoriously tricky, and rushing him back could risk further damage.
Frimpong's absence for several weeks is another blow, robbing Iraola of a versatile option on the right. The muscle problem picked up in the same Brentford game leaves Liverpool short of physical sharpness in a match where control will matter.
Chelsea's own injuries to João Pedro and Reece James may level the playing field slightly, but cup ties rarely care about sympathy. Iraola will need to find a way to cope without key men and adapt his tactics to Alonso's intense pressing style.
Talking points
- Should Iraola risk Szoboszlai if he is not fully fit? The hamstring has already gone twice, and another setback could rule him out for months.
- With Frimpong out for weeks, who fills in on the right? Liverpool's squad depth will be tested against Chelsea's intense press.
- Is Wirtz's availability enough to offset the loss of Szoboszlai and Muñoz? The German's creativity will be crucial.
- Chelsea's missing players (João Pedro, James) might give Liverpool a chance, but can they exploit it without their own key men?
What happens next
Liverpool face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup last-16 tie, with Iraola set to make a final call on Szoboszlai and Muñoz after training. The match will test Liverpool's squad depth and tactical flexibility against Xabi Alonso's side. A win would keep their cup hopes alive, but injuries could derail their plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dominik Szoboszlai playing for Liverpool against Chelsea?
Szoboszlai is a doubt due to a hamstring problem and Iraola said it is "more difficult" for him to feature than Florian Wirtz.
Will Victor Muñoz be fit for the Chelsea game?
Muñoz has not played since suffering a knee injury and Iraola is not optimistic about his chances of being available.
Who is out for Liverpool with injury?
Jeremie Frimpong is out for several weeks with a muscle issue, while Szoboszlai and Muñoz are doubts. Florian Wirtz has a better chance after a knock.
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