Andoni Iraola on the sidelines at Liverpool, with Dominik Szoboszlai in action
Dominik Szoboszlai could feature vs ArsenalImago
Correspondent AUTHORITY NCTJ-qualified football journalist with experience at VAVEL, Hayters TV, SPORTbible, and Centredevils. FOCUS Premier League analysis, tactical deep-dives, and original opinion content across Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Celtic. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides specialist tactical and analytical content to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and understand the full picture.
He briefly returned against Brentford earlier this month, but was substituted with the same issue mid-way through the first half.
Liverpool have surged on in Szoboslzai's absence, winning four of their last five games in normal time and beating Chelsea on penalties on Wednesday to progress to the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.
The emergence of Trey Nyoni has quelled concerns in midfield, and the Reds have begun to look like a team capable of potentially challenging for the Premier League.
Liverpool have looked a better team without Dominik Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai was a consistent shining light in a dismal Liverpool team last season.
But he has not managed to hit the same level of form this season so far, and in his absence, Liverpool have started to look a better team.
Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have formed a superb connection, and the Reds have looked far more fluid in transition.
And without the Hungary international behind him, Florian Wirtz has looked a player transformed.
The German, who struggled throughout last season, has scored and assisted twice in far better displays since Szoboszlai left the team.
Many of the 26-year-old's most impressive performances came at right-back last season, but the brilliant form of Ronald Araujo will likely rule even that option out, too.
Szoboszlai offers weapon off the bench
While he should not start the game, Szoboszlai is far from a bad option to have come off the bench.
Arsenal felt the full force of his free-kick talent last season at Anfield, when he netted a stunning strike from well outside the box.
Should the game be level going into the final stages, Iraola will be grateful for the option of Szoboszlai off the bench.