Liverpool hosts Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday, Oct. 20, with several key players unavailable due to injury.
Andoni Iraola's side defeated Brentford 2-1 on Saturday, Oct. 17 but saw Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong exit the game due to injury.
Both players will be sidelined for the visit of the Yellow Submarine, with Iraola being forced to replace the pair as well as give some players rest on a short turnaround.
Here is how Liverpool could line up against Villarreal:
Liverpool projected lineup vs. Villarreal
- Goalkeeper: Alisson
- Defense: Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez
- Midfield: Gravenberch, Mac Allister
- Attacking midfield: Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola
- Forward: Isak
Ronald Araujo looks the most likely to start at right back with Frimpong unavailable.
Ryan Gravenberch, who sat out against Brentford due to suspension, is available and could be in line to replace Szoboszlai.
Iraola will have Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak available
after both returned from injuries against Brentford.
Liverpool team news vs. Villarreal
- Out: Ekitike, Bradley, Leoni, Szoboszlai, Frimpong
- Questionable: N/A
- Suspended: N/A
Will Dominik Szoboszlai play vs. Villarreal?
The Hungary international picked up a hamstring injury during the international break. After missing two games, he returned against Brentford but lasted just a half hour.
"It is not a new injury. I think it was in the same place it was probably the past week," Iraola said at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Oct. 19.
"He hasn't worsened the injury but probably we have to be a little bit more patient until he recovers fully.
"But it's not like he now has to wait a lot more time to come back – it's more or less the same situation he was in last week. We need more patience with him."
Will Jeremie Frimpong play vs. Villarreal?
Like Szoboszlai, Frimpong will also be sidelined for the match against Villarreal.
Iraola said that the Dutch right back would likely be out at least a month.
"I think they are different circumstances," Iraola said. "Jeremie Frimpong is a muscle injury, and it happened in the second, third minute he was playing – difficult to predict.
"We will have to wait until he recovers, but it is going to be difficult I think before the [next international] break. We will try, but it is going to be difficult to have him."
Liverpool vs. Villarreal time, TV
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Anfield (Liverpool, England)
- TV/stream: Paramount+ (Watch on Paramount+), ViX (Watch on Prime Video)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Liverpool lineup prediction vs. Villarreal: Who replaces Szoboszlai?
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
