Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has provided an update on his squad’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s huge Premier League clash with Arsenal at Anfield.
Iraola thrilled by Liverpool’s unbeaten run
The Reds head into the encounter in excellent form, having secured their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions with a dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Iraola made seven changes to his starting XI following the weekend win over Brighton, handing opportunities to several youngsters, including Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas, and the manager was thrilled by his team’s togetherness.
“I feel it and I’m very happy to feel it because I think it’s very important. We need to feel what we are feeling now, the players are feeling. They are feeling the support of the ones in the stands and I think when we are all together, we create better atmospheres. Even starting losing, there was ‘Let’s go, come on.’
“A lot of the players have given us very good help and now it’s the third game at home where we finish with good feelings. And we have another big one on Sunday and let’s try to finish this four in a row that we had at home in the best way.”
Ngumoha was particularly impressive and spoke of the squad’s growing confidence after the victory.
“Now the focus is the big game on Sunday against Arsenal,” the 18-year-old told Sky Sports.
“I think there’s no better feeling than winning games and wins upon wins upon wins. Confidence is high but we can never get too complacent.”
Liverpool vs Arsenal team news: Szoboszlai and Munoz face late fitness test
Liverpool have been dealing with several injury concerns in recent weeks, with Dominik Szoboszlai among those struggling for fitness.
The Hungarian was dealing with hamstring tightness following the extended international break, and suffered a recurrence of his injury against Brentford, while Victor Munoz has also been absent from recent matches after twisting his knee in the same fixture.
Jeremie Frimpong has been sidelined with a muscle injury also picked up at the Gtech Community Stadium, while Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike are all long term absentees.
There was some positive news against Chelsea, however, as Florian Wirtz made his return from an ankle problem, and Iraola has revealed both Szoboszlai and Munoz have a chance to return against Arsenal.
“I think Szoboszlai and Munoz have a chance but we still have two days. I think they have a chance, yes.”
With the Gunners arriving at Anfield sitting six points above the Reds, three points on Sunday could be the difference between a title charge and a top four race for the former Bournemouth manager.
