Liverpool face a significant injury setback as Dominik Szoboszlai will miss their FA Cup Third Round match against Arsenal. Szoboszlai suffered a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s Premier League game against Newcastle United. Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Szoboszlai will miss not only the Arsenal match but also the next game. Thus raising concerns about his recovery.
Liverpool already do not have key players like Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah, who are on international duty. Szoboszlai’s absence further strains their squad depth. In his pre-match press conference, Klopp discussed the injury situation. He expressed uncertainty about Szoboszlai’s return and considering squad rotation against Arsenal.
Injury Woes for Liverpool: Szoboszlai Set to Miss Two Matches
Szoboszlai’s injury occurred during Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Newcastle United, where he played a pivotal role before his substitution. Klopp revealed the Hungarian midfielder had suffered a hamstring injury, needing further evaluation to understand the damage. This news is a blow to Liverpool, who are performing strongly in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Ahead of the FA Cup match against Arsenal, Klopp updated Szoboszlai’s condition. He confirmed the unavailability of Dominik Szoboszlai for the upcoming fixtures, saying,
“Dom is very positive, not in a lot of pain, but there’s no chance for Sunday. Not for the following Wednesday either. Then we will see.”
Klopp’s cautious tone reflects the uncertainty of the midfielder’s recovery timeline. The injury of Dominik Szoboszlai, coupled with the absence of Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah, stretches Liverpool’s squad depth. Klopp only has limited midfield options for the crucial FA Cup clash and subsequent matches. He emphasized the importance of a fully fit squad and hinted at potential squad rotation.
Klopp noted Liverpool’s successful squad rotation in the season’s first half and stressed maintaining high-quality performances. He said,
“The main reason for the impact from the bench was that, it’s massive, they all have rhythm. We bring in boys who can play to their best.”
Klopp did not confirm if the Arsenal match would involve rotation. He cited the tight schedule and the challenge of facing Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Klopp’s Squad Rotation Dilemma and FA Cup Expectations
Klopp discussed squad rotation against Arsenal, stressing the need to field a competitive lineup. He said,
“We can line up a good team, and I am sure that is what we do. If it looks like rotation, I don’t know.”
Klopp highlighted managing player fitness, given Liverpool’s tight match schedule. Klopp also stressed the importance of the FA Cup clash with Arsenal, acknowledging it as a challenging fixture. He stated,
“We have a few days between games, so that is long, and there is no need for rotation. But then we have [Fulham], and both are of the same importance.”
Klopp underlined the need to balance ambitions in the FA Cup and the Premier League. With Dominik Szoboszlai out and other players on international duty, Klopp must balance Liverpool’s competitiveness on multiple fronts.
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