Liverpool set to be without star player for Brighton clash after Iraola injury update

Liverpool have shown they can dig themselves out of trouble, but Brighton will give Andoni Iraola’s side another serious test at Anfield on Sunday.

The Premier League meeting comes after a dramatic European night, when the Reds recovered from two goals behind to beat Villarreal 4-3.

REUTERS/Ian Walton

That result followed their 2-1 win at Brentford and gave Liverpool a third consecutive victory across all competitions.

There was plenty to admire about the response against Villarreal, although conceding three goals provided another reminder of the improvements still required.

Brighton should arrive with confidence after beating Crystal Palace 5-0 in their last league outing, before drawing away to Jablonec in Europe on Thursday.

Fabian Hurzeler’s in-form visitors present a demanding challenge for a Liverpool squad still carrying several fitness concerns.

Dominik Szoboszlai is among those who will be missing, with Iraola confirming that the midfielder needs more recovery time.

Liverpool suffer Dominik Szoboszlai blow as Iraola rules midfielder out of Brighton clash

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

The Hungary international was unable to complete his return against Brentford last weekend and subsequently missed the Villarreal game.

He has resumed work outdoors, but Liverpool are waiting for him to take the next step and join his team-mates in training.

The update offers encouragement about his progress, while also explaining why Liverpool are being careful.

Iraola had already said earlier this week that the problem was in the same area as Szoboszlai’s previous injury, and he had missed two matches before Brentford.

After his attempted comeback ended early at Brentford, the manager is allowing an additional margin before asking him to play again.

There is still no confirmed date for his next appearance, so attention will turn to how he responds when group training resumes.

Liverpool have received better news on Bradley Barcola, who trained normally on Friday after being absent from Thursday’s session.

REUTERS/Elisabeth Mandl

Víctor Muñoz remains a concern after suffering a knock at Brentford, with continuing pain putting his involvement against Brighton in doubt.

Hugo Ekitiké, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are also unavailable, diminishing the manager’s room to rotate.

There are still options in midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch available and Florian Wirtz offering another route to creativity.

REUTERS/Phil Noble

Trey Nyoni started against Villarreal, giving Iraola another player to consider as he weighs up Sunday’s balance.

The schedule also leaves little breathing space, with Chelsea due at Anfield in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before Arsenal visit the following Sunday.