Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola says Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong could be missing for “some time” after they both limped off during the Reds’ win at Brentford.
Szoboszlai was brought back into the starting XI having missed each of the last two fixtures. He was taken off around half an hour in and replaced by Trey Nyoni. Frimpong, meanwhile, was introduced at half-time for Ronald Araujo but only lasted a few minutes before he was struck down with a hamstring issue.
The Reds take on Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday and then have Brighton at Anfield next weekend. Forward Cody Gakpo, who has also been sidelined lately, returned to the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium.
“Dominik felt the same injuries, not a new injury, so (he was) probably not healed enough,” Iraola outlined.
“Jeremie injury is new; he was cramping. I thought playing against 10 he’d give us more heading forward. But it will mean we will lose Dom and Jeremie for some time.”
“There was a lot of things happening during the game,” Iraola had earlier told Sky Sports. “The first half more or less was quite level, we had the clear chance.
“They scored before the end and second half we need the comeback. I think we played really well until the 2-1. After that we started to protect something, I think we didn’t manage the last minutes well.
“I think some of the players were seeing quite clear chances to finish the game that we haven’t been able to finish. We lacked some composure on the ball. Sometimes it was just about keeping the ball more and not going for the goal with the first chance.”
Szoboszlai, who had returned to the starting lineup after missing two matches with a hamstring problem, was substituted off in the 31st minute after re-aggravating his leg problem. Iraola responded by turning to youngster Trey Nyoni, with Ryan Gravenberch still sidelined through suspension. Frimpong was forced off with a muscle injury, with Rio Ngumoha replacing him as Victor Munoz shifted to right-back.
On Saturday, Liverpool found itself behind at halftime after a spectacular Keane Lewis-Potter header from the edge of the penalty area sailed past Alisson in the Reds’ goal.
A straight red card for Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmoliuk for violent conduct late in the first half handed Liverpool a lifeline.
Iraola’s men fought back, with Munoz pulling Liverpool level following a powerful run from right-back, a role he occupied due to Frimpong’s withdrawal.
Liverpool’s winner arrived in the 70th minute through striker Alexander Isak, who spun brilliantly inside the Brentford box and finished emphatically past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to put his side ahead 2-1.