Liverpool will be without Jeremie Frimpong and Dominik Szoboszlai when Villarreal visit Anfield for Tuesday night's third Champions League league-phase fixture. Both players went off during the weekend's 2–1 victory at Brentford.
Different recovery circumstances
Andoni Iraola explained in Liverpool's pre-match update that Frimpong had sustained a new muscle injury only a few minutes after starting to play. The head coach considered a return before the November international break difficult, while leaving the precise recovery timeline open.
Szoboszlai's problem concerns the area that had kept him out of the two matches before Brentford. Iraola said the injury had not worsened but that greater patience was needed to allow a full recovery. He also praised the midfielder's willingness to contribute in a physically demanding game.
Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined. Those absences continue to affect Liverpool's available options for the meeting with the Spanish club.
Villarreal assess their attacking options
Tajon Buchanan returned to training on Monday after missing Villarreal's previous three games with a hamstring injury. Resuming training is a positive development, although the update does not confirm a starting place or guarantee his involvement at Anfield.
Nicolas Pépé has also missed the visitors' last three matches because of an eye issue. His situation is another consideration as Iñigo Pérez prepares his side.
Liverpool's report additionally recalls goalkeeper Peter Gulácsi's previous spell at the club between 2008 and 2013. He was named on the bench 51 times without making a competitive appearance.
The recent results cited are Liverpool's 2–1 win at Brentford and Villarreal's goalless draw with Elche. They provide the immediate background to a fixture for which the final team selections are still to be announced.