Liverpool vs Villareal — Szoboszlai recovery needs patience, Frimpong injured again

Jeremie Frimpong, right, has endured a frustrating period since joining from Bayer Leverkusen last year, with fitness and form issues limiting his impact. | Photo Credit: AFP

Liverpool has been handed a double injury concern ahead of its Champions League meeting with Villarreal, with Dominik Szoboszlai requiring a careful recovery from a hamstring issue and Jeremie Frimpong facing an uncertain spell out with a fresh muscle problem.

Both players were forced off during Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League victory at Brentford on Saturday.

Head coach Andoni Iraola said Frimpong’s latest setback was difficult to assess and could keep the right back out until after the November 9-17 international break.

“Frimpong has a new muscle injury ... Difficult to predict. We will have to wait until he recovers, but it is going to be difficult before the (November 9-17 international) break,” Iraola said.

The 25-year-old Dutch international has endured a frustrating period since his move from Bayer Leverkusen last year, with fitness and form issues limiting his impact.

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Szoboszlai’s problem in comparison is of less seriousness, The Hungary captain has aggravated the same hamstring injury that previously kept him out of Liverpool’s 3-0 home loss to Manchester City and its 6-3 Champions League win at LASK.

“Szoboszlai is different, it’s not a new injury. I think it is in the same place it was in the past week. It hasn’t worsened. We probably have to be a bit patient until he recovers fully, but it is not like he has to wait a long time to come back,” Iraola said.

The 25-year-old has been an important presence for Liverpool this season, scoring three goals in eight appearances across all competitions.

Szoboszlai and Frimpong injury updates from Andoni Iraola ℹ️💬 https://t.co/1YOVAlUKIK

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 19, 2026

Liverpool already has several long-term absentees, including Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, adding to Iraola’s selection concerns.

The Reds are currently fifth in the Premier League with 12 points from seven games and will host Villarreal at Anfield on Tuesday, aiming to extend its perfect Champions League start after taking six points from its first two matches.