Liverpool vs Arsenal Team News: Szoboszlai and Munoz Could Return at Anfield
Liverpool head into Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal at Anfield with fresh hope over the fitness of Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz, two players who could yet play a part in one of the biggest fixtures of the weekend.
Andoni Iraola has been managing a number of fitness concerns in recent weeks, yet his latest update offered encouragement. Speaking ahead of the game, the Liverpool head coach said: “I think they have a chance. They have a chance. But I don’t know for sure if they will be involved or not. We still have two days so I think we have a chance, yes.”
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Szoboszlai fitness latest before Arsenal clash
Szoboszlai’s situation will draw the most attention. The Hungarian midfielder has been troubled by an ongoing hamstring issue since the international break and has managed only limited involvement since then. He lasted 32 minutes on his return at Brentford earlier this month and has missed five of Liverpool’s last six matches.
That absence has been felt. When fit, Szoboszlai remains one of Liverpool’s most important players, bringing energy, control and attacking thrust between the lines. With Arsenal visiting Anfield, his possible return would hand Iraola a major lift.
Victor Munoz return would strengthen Liverpool options
Munoz also remains in the frame after missing time with a right knee problem suffered in the second half of the Brentford game, a match in which he also found the net. Even if he is passed fit, competition for places in the forward line is fierce.
Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha have all produced encouraging form, meaning Munoz may be more likely to feature from the bench. His availability would still add depth and attacking variety for a contest likely to demand strong options across the squad.
Likely Liverpool lineup at Anfield
Liverpool are expected to restore several key names after midweek rotation in the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea. Alisson Becker should return in goal, while Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz, Barcola and Alexander Isak are all expected to start.
With Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley unavailable, Ronald Araujo is set to move back to right-back after filling in centrally. That would allow Virgil van Dijk to resume alongside Jacquet in central defence. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch looks poised to continue after completing the full match in midweek, likely partnering Mac Allister.
There had been some concern over Wirtz after an ankle issue against Brighton, but his involvement against Chelsea has eased fears ahead of Arsenal’s visit.
Predicted Liverpool XI against Arsenal
The shape is expected to be a 4-2-3-1, with Liverpool leaning on their strongest available side for a high-stakes league contest. Szoboszlai’s fitness could yet alter the attacking midfield picture, though the current expectation points towards Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Unavailable players remain Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, while Szoboszlai and Munoz stay in the doubtful category for now. For Liverpool, the next 48 hours could shape the entire feel of this Arsenal showdown.
