Both Liverpool and Arsenal look set to be missing some players for the huge clash at Anfield, with both managers dealing with injuries in their ranks
Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre
Dominik Szoboszlai is a doubt for Liverpool to face Arsenal(Image: (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
Another huge Premier League test awaits Andoni Iraola, as he prepares his Liverpool team to take on the champions, Arsenal, at Anfield.
The Reds have lost just once this season, coming in an encounter with Manchester City, which was heavily impacted by a sending-off in the second half. Should the hosts stay with a full team on the pitch against the Gunners, it will be another interesting look into just how competitive the Merseyside outfit can be this campaign.
Arsenal has made a slightly better start to the season in an attempt to win back-to-back titles, though there have been some frailties shown at times, such as the recent defeats to Brighton and Fleetwood.
Both the hosts and the visitors will be without some key players, however, which could have an interesting impact to the way the match plays out at Anfield.
Liverpool could be without as many as six players for the match on Sunday, with a few long-term injury concerns, alongside some potential doubts.
In terms of those who could have a chance of featuring, a pairing of Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz may be available, depending on whether they are deemed fit enough to feature. Both stars picked up issues against Brentford, with the former dealing with an existing hamstring issue, while the latter has been out with a slight knee problem.
"I think they have a chance," Iraola told the press about the two stars. "They have a chance. But I don’t know for sure if they will be involved or not. We still have two days [from Friday], so I think we have a chance, yes."
As for those guaranteed to miss out, Jeremie Frimpong won't be available until after the November international break, while the long-term issues for Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, and Hugo Ekitike won't see them feature until later this year.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Liverpool FC at Gtech Community Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Dominik Szoboszlai could be close to a return for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
The visitors, Arsenal, on the other hand have as many as seven players who could be missing for the trip to Anfield. A trio of Declan Rice, Christos Tzolis, and Riccardo Calafiori could all return for the match after recent concerns, with the players all training in the build-up to the match, while Noni Madueke is a doubt to feature.
Bukayo Saka is set to miss out, however, after his recent muscular issue that will require another scan. William Saliba is unavailable through a long-term back injury, while Max Dowman is unavailable due to a suspension he will be serving, after the youngster picked up a red card for violent conduct in midweek.
It may leave both managers looking to change their systems and their personnel for such an important match, with some key absences that could change the outcome of the encounter.
When it comes to the wider implications of the encounter, however, Iraola is not convinced that it will change too much in terms of title discussions, regardless of who wins. "I think it’s too early to start looking at the standings," the Liverpool boss told the press. "I think it’s about preparing ourselves for a very difficult game.
!We know Arsenal, we know how good they are, very good players, working a lot, working in synchrony, knowing each other very well and we have to be ready for that challenge.
!I think it’s going to be demanding, the game, but I also trust our players, trust ourselves and in a good atmosphere that for sure we will have on Sunday, I hope we can be at the level to win this game."