Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk. Photo: Getty Images.
Liverpool are facing fresh injury concerns ahead of their Premier League showdown with Manchester United following the international break after Virgil van Dijk withdrew from international duty and Dominik Szoboszlai required medical attention for a knee problem.
The setbacks come with Ryan Gravenberch also battling to regain fitness, leaving Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola with several selection concerns during the November international break.
Liverpool returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over bottom side Crystal Palace following successive defeats to Arsenal and Fenerbahce, but injuries threaten to disrupt their preparations for Manchester United’s visit to Anfield on November 23 (AEDT).
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Virgil van Dijk injury latest
Liverpool captain Van Dijk withdrew from the Netherlands squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures against high-flying Greece and Jurgen Klopp’s Germany.
The Dutch football federation confirmed the 35-year-old was unavailable after failing to return fully fit from Liverpool’s victory over Crystal Palace.
The nature of his fitness issue has not been officially disclosed, although the defender has reportedly been managing a minor problem in recent weeks.
Van Dijk played the full 90 minutes against Palace, with Liverpool hoping his withdrawal is precautionary rather than an indication of a longer absence.
Dominik Szoboszlai injury latest
Szoboszlai is being assessed by Hungary’s medical staff after sustaining a knee problem during Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace.
The midfielder was substituted in the 69th minute, with Iraola revealing he had been struggling physically during the second half.
“Dom definitely wasn’t 100 per cent in the second half,” the Liverpool boss said. “The last thing we need now is to lose players in the international games.”
Szoboszlai joined Hungary’s squad and underwent medical examinations, with his availability for international duty dependent on further assessment ahead of fixtures against Georgia and Northern Ireland.
The 26-year-old has already experienced injury problems this season, having previously struggled with a thigh issue.
Ryan Gravenberch injury latest
Gravenberch remains a concern after missing Liverpool’s previous two matches with a heel injury.
The Netherlands international was left out of the squad against Crystal Palace and has not joined his national team during the November break.
Iraola previously described the midfielder’s recovery as a day-to-day process.
“It’s a matter of pain. Let’s see if he can deal with the pain and he can help us,” he said.
The international break provides Gravenberch with additional recovery time, although his availability against United remains uncertain.
Jeremie Frimpong injury latest
Frimpong is recovering from a muscle injury sustained during Liverpool’s win against Brentford in October.
The Dutch full-back suffered the setback shortly after coming off the bench, adding to his injury frustrations since joining from German Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
Iraola previously admitted his recovery was difficult to predict, although a return following the November international break remains a possibility.
Hugo Ekitike injury latest
Ekitike has been sidelined since rupturing his Achilles tendon against UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in April.
The France international missed the remainder of last season and the 2026 World Cup, with Liverpool carefully managing his rehabilitation.
Ekitike was included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad, with Iraola previously suggesting he could be available for the final two league-phase fixtures in January.
Conor Bradley injury latest
Bradley is approaching the next stage of his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered against Premier League champions Arsenal in January.
The Northern Ireland international sustained ligament and bone damage that required surgery and has been sidelined for most of 2026.
“I think Conor is not very far from starting doing things with us,” Iraola said recently.
When is Liverpool’s next match?
Liverpool return to Premier League action against rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, November 22 (November 23 AEDT).
The Reds are fourth in the standings, nine points off the pace.
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