Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola says Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong will be unavailable “for some time” after both players were forced off during the comeback victory over nine-man Brentford.
Liverpool had already been dealt a blow when Szoboszlai went off in the 32nd minute, shortly before Keane Lewis-Potter put Brentford ahead. The visitors had been looking to recover from last week’s 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City.
Szoboszlai had sustained a hamstring injury during the international break. He missed the loss to Manchester City and Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League victory at LASK, but was passed fit to start in west London.
However, the Hungary midfielder was unable to complete the first half, with his latest setback suggesting he had not fully recovered.
Brentford were reduced to 10 men just before half-time, prompting Iraola to make a change at the interval. He introduced Frimpong, hoping the wing-back’s attacking qualities would help Liverpool exploit the numerical advantage.
Frimpong lasted only five minutes before suffering an injury of his own and limping off.
Iraola said Szoboszlai had aggravated the same problem rather than suffered a fresh injury.
“Dom felt the same injury; it’s not a new injury and was probably not healed enough, so we will need more time with him,” he said.
“Jeremie’s was new; I think he finished cramping the other day [against LASK].
“I put him on because, playing against 10, going forward, I thought he could give us more than Ronald [Araujo]. Afterward, I value him a lot, and he was very good, Victor [Munoz] playing as a right-back.
“But it will mean we will lose Dom and Jeremie for some time, yes.”
Liverpool were able to complete the turnaround despite losing both players. Victor Munoz equalised in the second half before Alexander Isak scored to secure their first Premier League victory in almost a month.
The result moved Liverpool up to fifth in the table, while Brentford were reduced to nine men during the match.
“Yes, definitely we got a good battle today,” Iraola said.
“I think they are very important three points for us because I think it’s very expensive to win here.”
He added: “I think we played really well in the minutes up until we scored the 2-1 against 10 players. I think that we were being patient and we were finding good positions and we were in control of the game really well.
“Probably more disappointed after we scored because you scored the 2-1 and then you feel like you have something to lose.”
Liverpool’s next match is against in-form Brighton & Hove Albion, before they host Arsenal at Anfield.
