Liverpool have received a fitness boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Brighton, with Bradley Barcola available for selection, although Dominik Szoboszlai has been ruled out and Victor Munoz remains a doubt.
Head coach Andoni Iraola provided the latest injury update as Liverpool prepare for a demanding weekend fixture, offering encouraging news on Barcola while confirming that Szoboszlai needs more time before returning to team training.
Barcola had been given time to manage his workload, but Iraola confirmed that the forward had returned to normal training without any issues. His availability offers Liverpool another attacking option as they prepare to face Brighton.
“Bradley [Barcola] has trained today normally. He’s fine, no problems. It was just a case of dealing with the load and sometimes, they have to stay inside.”
Munoz, however, faces a late fitness test after picking up a knock during Liverpool’s encounter with Brentford. Although he managed to complete that match, the injury has continued to cause discomfort, leaving his availability for Brighton uncertain.
The defender was also unavailable for the recent meeting with Villarreal, with Iraola admitting that the timing may be tight for his return this weekend.
“Victor [Munoz] has a knock against Brentford in the first half. He could finish the game very well but he’s dealing with some pain. It was too early the other day against Villarreal and I don’t know if he’s going to arrive [be ready for Brighton].”
Liverpool will definitely be without Szoboszlai, who is continuing his recovery after being forced off during the Villarreal match. The midfielder has yet to resume training with the main group, prompting the club to take a cautious approach rather than rush him back into action.
Although the injury is not expected to keep him out for an extended period, the weekend fixture has come too soon. Iraola indicated that Szoboszlai is making progress, having already returned to individual outdoor training.
“Dom [Szoboszlai] is going to be out this weekend. I don’t think it is far, but he hasn’t trained with the group still and also considering that the other day [against Villarreal] we started him and he had to go out, we will probably take one or two days more than we would last week.
“It is a good place. Dom is already training outside alone and he is going to play with the group, but he is not ready for this one.”
Szoboszlai’s absence represents a setback for Liverpool, particularly as the team prepares to face a Brighton side capable of making life difficult with its movement and attacking intensity. His return to individual training is encouraging, but the club appears unwilling to take unnecessary risks with his recovery.
Barcola’s fitness, meanwhile, gives Liverpool a positive option heading into the fixture. The forward’s return to full training removes one concern from Iraola’s preparations, while Munoz’s situation will require further assessment before a final decision is made.
Liverpool must now balance the need for a strong performance against Brighton with the importance of managing their players’ fitness over the coming weeks. With Szoboszlai unavailable and Munoz uncertain, the final team selection could depend on how the remaining fitness concerns develop before kick-off.
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