Andoni Iraola has expressed concerns over Liverpool's injury situation ahead of the international break as Dominik Szoboszlai's fitness adds to worries
Andoni Iraola manager of Liverpool applauds the fans after their sides victory during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola(Image: Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has given himself no time to revel in the team's win over Crystal Palace, as he's already preparing for a nervy couple of weeks during the international break.
After back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahce, the Reds ended this run of games with a crucial win. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring before halftime, which came as a major boost after Palace had a goal ruled out for offside.
Florian Wirtz added a second after the break before assisting Alexander Isak for the third. Milos Kerkez conceded a contentious penalty in the closing stages, which was converted by Eddie Nketiah, but the game was already won for Liverpool.
Despite the win taking Liverpool into the top four, Iraola's focus has already shifted to the period after the international break and ensuring his players return fit and ready. The Reds return to action later this month with the visit of bitter rivals Manchester United to Anfield.
"You want to finish with a win," Iraola told the media post-match. "It puts us in a better position, but we need to keep improving.
"Now we are all praying because the last international break we lost three players and now, it is the last thing we need. I hope everything goes well and we don't lose anyone this time."
It's worth noting Liverpool endured a tricky international break last time around, with a handful of injuries. Cody Gakpo was among those affected, as was star striker Isak, while Dominik Szoboszlai returned with a problem caused by overload and hasn't been quite right since.
Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool controls the ball during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace
Dominik Szoboszlai couldn't complete the 90 minutes against Crystal Palace(Image: Photo by Steve Bardens - AMA/Getty Images)
So much so that the Hungary international was forced off early in the second half against Palace and was subsequently replaced by Trey Nyoni. It is not yet clear whether he will go away with his national team over the coming weeks.
"He will do everything to go because he loves playing with the national team," Iraola admitted post-match. "But he was not 100 percent [today]".
Liverpool's long-term injury list includes Jeremie Frimpong, who could be ready to make a comeback later this month. Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are also yet to recover from their serious injuries sustained last season.
After the break, Liverpool hosts United at Anfield. The Reds will then close out the month with tricky away tests against Club Brugge and Everton.