Story by
Dominik Szoboszlai could be set for 'extended spell on Liverpool sidelines'
- Story by
- Dominik Szoboszlai could be set for 'extended spell on Liverpool sidelines'
Dominik Szoboszlai could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines at Liverpool after the latest update on his recent injury.
The 26-year-old picked up a hamstring injury earlier this month, which he aggravated during the win against Brentford, and has now missed a total of four games with the issue.
Advertisement
Andoni Iraola revealed ahead of the win against Brighton that the midfielder is now not far away from a return, but they will be careful not to rush him back.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insiderthat Szoboszlai could spend a spell on the sidelines regardless of how quickly he returns from injury.
This comes as a result of the Reds' recent upturn in performances, with four wins in their last four games, during which time the midfielder has played just 34 minutes.
The performances of Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola and Alexis Mac Allister in his absence have led to suggestions that Szoboszlai may find it hard to return to the starting XI.
Advertisement
What is the extent of Dominik Szoboszlai's injury?
Brown told Football Insideron 18 October that Liverpool had serious concerns about their injury situation after Szoboszlai was forced off during the win against Brentford.
The news that the midfielder should soon be ready to return will come as a boost to the Reds' plans, but there are now questions about where he fits in the side.
Szoboszlai is still seen as an important part of Iraola's plans, after he was named last season's player of the year, but may have to fight for his place in the starting XI.
"It's an interesting issue for Liverpool actually, because they've played well in Szoboszlai's absence," Brown told Football Insider.
Advertisement
"A lot of their players who maybe weren't hitting their top levels have started to step up, the likes of Wirtz, Barcola and Mac Allister who were previously below-par.
"Now with Szoboszlai out of the team, they're stepping up, and you have to work out whether that's just a coincidence or whether they might be better without him in the side.
"So maybe he'll have to spend a bit of time on the sidelines even when he's back to being fit and firing, and he'll have to work his way back into that starting XI."
Andoni Iraola hit by 'very worrying' Liverpool news as injury crisis worsens Jeremie Frimpong has no future under Andoni Iraola - 'He is not Liverpool standard' Which other injuries are causing Liverpool concerns?
Advertisement
Szoboszlai was not the only player who was forced off with an injury during the win against Brentford earlier this month, with Jeremie Frimpong also suffering a fresh blow.
The right-back had been handed increased playing time under Iraola given the lack of depth in the position with Conor Bradley also sidelined, and his absence is a concern.
However, Brown told Football Insideron 13 October that Liverpool already have doubts about Frimpong's future in the starting XI and could replace him in January.
The 25-year-old has endured a difficult period since his £29.5million move to Anfield last summer, leading to growing concerns about the lack of quality in his position.
It is now becoming clear that Frimpong does not have a future in Iraola's side, and plans are being put in place to find his replacement in the January transfer window.
