Szoboszlai and Munoz doubts for Brighton clash as Barcola gets Liverpool all-clear

Dominik Szoboszlai will miss Liverpool’s Premier League fixture against Brighton at Anfield this weekend, with Victor Munoz also a significant doubt, manager Andoni Iraola confirmed in a pre-match press conference. Bradley Barcola, however, has been given the all-clear despite sitting out Thursday’s training session as part of a managed workload.

Iraola was candid about Szoboszlai’s absence, explaining the Hungary international has yet to rejoin full group training. “Dom is going to be out this weekend, I don’t think he’s far, but he hasn’t trained with the group,” the Liverpool head coach said. “It’ll probably take one or two more days than we would.”

Munoz, who picked up a knock during the recent win over Brentford, is also struggling to be fit in time. “He has a knock, he could finish the game against Brentford, but he’s dealing with some pain,” Iraola said. “It’s too early against Villarreal, I think it’ll be difficult, but I don’t know.”

On Barcola, Iraola moved quickly to ease any concerns. “He is fine, no problem, a matter of dealing with the load, stay inside, but he’s fine,” the Spaniard confirmed. The £120m winger is expected to be available for selection against the Seagulls.

The injury updates come off the back of a come-from-behind Champions League victory over Villarreal at Anfield, in which teenage winger Rio Ngumoha delivered two assists. Iraola acknowledged the performance was uneven in spells but praised the attitude of his squad as they navigate a congested fixture schedule.

“We’re changing a lot the team, we’re playing every three or four days, sometimes the players are tired, more risk involved,” Iraola said, hinting that further rotation is likely against Brighton. “We have to continue, change a little bit the team.”

Iraola also addressed the broader challenge of managing external noise around his squad, urging his players to stay focused on performance rather than outside criticism. “Every player has to focus on performances, do well, improve what you can improve,” he said. “Critics, but don’t let it affect the performance — the most important thing.”