Liverpool’s midfield is under renewed strain as Dominik Szoboszlai’s hamstring injury remains unresolved after another setback in the recent win over Brentford, while Jeremie Frimpong’s new muscle problem has forced the club into another tactical adjustment ahead of the November international break. Andoni Iraola, who has already faced criticism for his squad’s injury woes this season, made it clear on Monday that both players will require additional time to recover—despite Szoboszlai’s determination to push through in a physically demanding fixture.
Szoboszlai’s injury, now in its third iteration, remains stubbornly persistent. Iraola emphasized that the midfielder’s latest setback is not a new issue but rather a recurrence of the same problem, with no worsening detected. However, the coach’s insistence on ‘more patience’ signals that Szoboszlai’s return is not imminent. The 24-year-old, who has been a linchpin in Liverpool’s midfield since his arrival from RB Leipzig, was forced to sit out the entire match against Brentford after failing to recover in time for the Champions League clash. His absence leaves a gap in a position already weakened by the prolonged absence of Thiago Alcântara, whose return remains uncertain. Iraola’s praise for Szoboszlai’s effort—despite the physical toll of facing Brentford’s aggressive style—highlights the pressure on the young German to stay fit, but the reality is that Liverpool’s options in midfield are dwindling.
Frimpong’s injury adds another layer of complexity to Liverpool’s squad planning. The 25-year-old right-back, who had been rested for the midweek trip to Austria, lasted just six minutes before succumbing to a muscle problem in his second-half substitute appearance against Brentford. Iraola confirmed the injury is a fresh issue, not a recurrence, and warned that Frimpong will likely miss the next few games—including the upcoming Champions League clash with Villarreal—before the international break. His absence further complicates Liverpool’s defensive depth, particularly after the prolonged injury to Van Dijk and the inconsistent form of Ronald Araujo. With no clear replacement in sight, the Reds will have to rely on younger players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez to cover the right-back position, a role neither has fully mastered in recent weeks.
The timing of these injuries could not be worse for Liverpool. With the international break looming, the club faces a critical window to address its squad’s fitness before resuming domestic and European competition. Szoboszlai’s prolonged absence threatens Liverpool’s ability to maintain possession and dictate tempo, while Frimpong’s injury reduces their defensive flexibility at a time when consistency is paramount. Iraola’s post-match comments underscored the physical nature of the Brentford game, a team known for its relentless pressing and high-intensity style, which has exposed Liverpool’s vulnerabilities. The Reds’ recent form has been inconsistent, and these injuries risk exacerbating an already fragile momentum. For now, patience is the only option—but with the pressure mounting, Liverpool’s ability to navigate this period will determine whether they can reclaim their footing before the year ends.
