Talk about a gut punch before a massive Premier League clash! Dominik Szoboszlai won’t be in the Liverpool matchday squad for the showdown with Manchester City today. Manager Andoni Iraola didn’t even hint at an injury concern for Szoboszlai on Friday, so it was a shock when he wasn’t spotted with the team at the hotel on Sunday morning. Turns out, it’s a hamstring injury that has sidelined him.
Injury Woes Just Keep Piling Up
This Szoboszlai news is just the latest blow for a squad already struggling with injuries. He’s joining a growing list that includes Alexander Isak with a thigh injury, Cody Gakpo who’s dealing with an ankle injury from what Iraola called “a really bad tackle,” and Hugo Ekititke. We’re talking about six key players out now. It’s a brutal situation, honestly. Iraola explained Szoboszlai’s absence before kickoff to Sky Sports, saying, “He’s another one coming from the international games, he came with an overload and felt a tight hamstring. He’s tried, somehow pushing through training but he was not feeling 100% and we will have to wait for more news.” You can feel the frustration there, right?
Iraola had already updated us on Friday about Gakpo and Isak. Gakpo’s ankle has bothered him before, and it’s all about managing the pain now. Isak’s thigh issue is a “small injury but it’s a muscle injury.” The good news? Iraola thinks neither look like long-term problems, saying they’ll be “analysing day to day.” But for today? No chance for either of them.
A New Face Leads The Line Against An Unbeaten Foe
With so many key players out, especially up front, the impact is huge. We’re going to see 21-year-old Lewis Koumas make his first start for the Reds, leading the line against Manchester City. Seriously, a 21-year-old making his debut start against a team that’s won every single one of their five league matches this season? That’s a massive ask. Iraola was a bit coy when asked if Koumas would start, but he did emphasize the depth in the squad. He noted, “A full No.9, it’s true that we probably only have [Lewis] Koumas right now, but we have some other options. We have some wingers that have played up front in other teams.” They might even get Fede Chiesa back soon, who’s been recovering and training, but he hasn’t played minutes yet. This is truly next-man-up territory, and it could not be happening against a tougher opponent.
What a day for Lewis Koumas to step into the spotlight, right? He’s got his work cut out for him, but what an opportunity to show what he’s got. The team is short on firepower, but Iraola is confident they’ll “put an XI with a level enough to compete for that game.” Against an undefeated City side, they’ll need every ounce of fight. Let’s see what this patched-up Liverpool squad can do.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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