Szoboszlai and Munoz Could Return for Liverpool vs Arsenal, Says Iraola

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz are both in contention for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at Anfield. The pair have been sidelined with hamstring and knee injuries respectively, but Iraola stopped short of guaranteeing their involvement.

  • Match: Liverpool vs Arsenal, Premier League, Sunday, Anfield
  • Szoboszlai: Hamstring injury, missed five of last six matches, has a chance to feature
  • Munoz: Knee injury sustained against Brentford, also in contention
  • Manager’s stance: “I think they have a chance… but I do not know for sure”
  • At stake: Liverpool seek midfield boost against Arsenal’s organised defence

Injury and availability

Dominik Szoboszlai has been out with a hamstring problem picked up on Hungary duty in the Nations League. He has missed five of Liverpool’s last six matches and has been training individually over the past week. Whether he joins full group training before Sunday is the key decision.

Victor Munoz has been absent since hurting his knee in the comeback win over Brentford. The defender’s potential return would add depth to a squad that has coped well in his absence.

Iraola confirmed both players are being assessed day by day. “We still have two days, so I think we have a chance,” he said, leaving the door open for late fitness calls.

What was said

“I think they have a chance. But I do not know for sure if they will be involved or not.”

— Andoni Iraola, Liverpool head coach

“We still have two days, so I think we have a chance.”

— Andoni Iraola, on the remaining time before kick-off

Iraola’s cautious tone is typical of a manager protecting his players from unnecessary pressure. He knows that Szoboszlai, in particular, offers qualities that could unsettle Arsenal’s disciplined midfield.

By refusing to rule either player out, Iraola also keeps Arsenal guessing. Mikel Arteta will have to prepare for the possibility of facing a full-strength Liverpool midfield.

Why Szoboszlai’s return matters more than Munoz’s

Dominik Szoboszlai gives Liverpool energy, ball-carrying and a goal threat from midfield. Against an Arsenal side that will not leave much room, his ability to break lines and arrive in the box could be decisive. He scored the winner in this fixture last season, a fact that underlines his big-game pedigree.

If Szoboszlai is not ready to start, Alexis Mac Allister has looked sharp again in recent weeks and remains a reliable alternative. Ryan Gravenberch is the obvious midfield partner, while Trey Nyoni and James McConnell have stepped in and handled senior minutes well.

Victor Munoz’s situation is more about squad depth than starting XI balance. Liverpool have managed without him, recording wins over Villarreal, Brighton and Chelsea, but depth becomes increasingly important in games of this magnitude. Having another defensive option on the bench could be crucial if the game goes to extra-time or if injuries strike.

Talking points

  • Should Iraola risk Szoboszlai from the start if he has only trained individually, or is a bench role more sensible?
  • Does Munoz’s return actually matter if Liverpool have won without him? Depth is nice, but does he get in the XI?
  • Mac Allister’s form gives Liverpool a ready-made replacement, so is Szoboszlai’s fitness even worth the fuss?
  • Arsenal will expect Liverpool’s strongest team. Does Iraola’s cautious update give the Gunners a psychological edge?

What happens next

Liverpool face Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday. Final fitness assessments on Szoboszlai and Munoz will take place after the remaining two training sessions. Iraola will confirm his squad at his pre-match press conference. A win would bolster Liverpool’s Premier League ambitions, while Arsenal will be desperate to leave with three points.

Frequently asked questions

Will Dominik Szoboszlai play for Liverpool against Arsenal?

It is not certain. Andoni Iraola said Szoboszlai has a chance but could not guarantee his involvement, with two days of training still to come.

Is Victor Munoz fit for Liverpool vs Arsenal?

Munoz is in contention, according to Iraola, but like Szoboszlai he is not guaranteed to feature. He has been out since hurting his knee against Brentford.

When is Liverpool vs Arsenal?

The match takes place on Sunday at Anfield in the Premier League. Kick-off time is not specified in the source.

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