Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Liverpool could be boosted by the return of two key players ahead of Sunday's huge Premier League clash with Arsenal, as the Reds look to close the gap on the Premier League champions to just three points.
Andoni Iraola's side have enjoyed an encouraging run of form in recent weeks, but face arguably their biggest test yet when Mikel Arteta's Gunners travel to Anfield.
Liverpool could welcome Dominik Szoboszlai and Víctor Muñoz back into the fold, with Iraola providing a positive update on the pair during his pre-match press conference.
Szoboszlai-Liverpool-Iraola
"I think they have a chance. They have a chance. But I don’t know for sure if they will be involved or not. We still have two days so I think we have a chance, yes," the Spaniard explained.
Szoboszlai's potential return would be particularly welcome, with the Hungarian capable of operating in several positions and offering Iraola greater tactical flexibility.
Victor-Munoz-Liverpool-Forest
His absence has forced the Liverpool boss to rely heavily on Ronald Araújo, with the Uruguayan centre-back enjoying an extended run at right-back and quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite.
Speaking to Liverpool's official website ahead of the Arsenal clash, Araújo expressed his confidence in the direction the club is heading.
"There's no doubt we're in a good moment," he said. "Personally, I'm convinced about the team that we have.
"Perhaps we didn't get the best of starts but, given the team that we have and the work and the philosophy the manager has for us, I was convinced that the team would continue to grow.
Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo
Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo
"We're in that development phase and it's great because that means that there is still room for improvement."
The defender also stressed the importance of Sunday's meeting, adding: "Now we have a really big challenge in front of us this weekend against a big rival, but we're playing at home with our fans and we'll give everything to get that victory."
Mikel Arteta insists Liverpool are Premier League title contenders
wirtz-brighton-liverpool
Victory on Sunday would move Liverpool to within three points of Arsenal, potentially igniting a three-way title race despite the season still being in its early stages.
And Arteta has made it clear that Liverpool are "for sure" genuine contenders for the crown.
"I think all the top clubs are certainly title challengers, and it’s so early in the season, when you look at the squad, the manager that they have and the history - for sure.
"We expect a big game on Sunday; we’re looking forward to it, for sure. It’s 14 years that we haven’t won there, so it’s time to do it."
Iraola, meanwhile, was more cautious when asked whether Liverpool are Arsenal's biggest challengers, insisting it remains too early to assess the title race.
"It's still October, so it's take one game at a time," he explained. "Right now we are in a position where we need to improve, we need keep getting better."
Story of Liverpool's season Home Score Away
23 August 2026 Newcastle 2–2 Liverpool
4 September 2026 Ipswich 0–2 Liverpool
12 September 2026 Liverpool 0–0 Fulham
20 September 2026 Bournemouth 0–1 Liverpool
11 October 2026 Liverpool 0–3 Manchester City
17 October 2026 Brentford 1–2 Liverpool
25 October 2026 Liverpool 2–0 Brighton
Sunday's encounter will also see two former teammates and childhood friends reunited on opposite touchlines, something both managers acknowledged ahead of the contest.
"It's a privilege," Arteta said. "Someone who has been your teammate, that you spent so many beautiful moments together when we were younger. To be facing each other, to be close, massive clubs in this country, in Europe, in a big match like this, it's a blessing."
Alexis Mac Allister for Liverpool-1
Alexis Mac Allister for Liverpool-1
Iraola echoed those sentiments, although he acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side.
"I know that he will give us a very difficult game so we will have to be at our very best."
With Liverpool looking to build on their recent improvement and Arsenal hoping to maintain their advantage at the summit, Sunday's meeting could prove an important early marker in the Premier League title race.