Both Liverpool and Arsenal have hinted at a modest boost to their squads ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting at Anfield. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and midfielder Victor Munoz could be available after missing the last two games, while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta indicated that Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, Noni Madueke and possibly Christos Tzolis have a chance of featuring after recent setbacks.

Liverpool’s potential double return

Szoboszlai’s hamstring problem, picked up on international duty with Hungary, has kept him out of Liverpool’s recent fixtures against Manchester City and LASK. He returned to the squad for the Brentford game earlier this month but was forced off after just 30 minutes, extending his spell on the sidelines. Despite the setback, Iraola remains optimistic. “I think [Dominik] Szoboszlai and [Victor] Munoz have a chance, but we still have two days – I think they have a chance, yes,” he told reporters on Friday, as quoted by several outlets.

Munoz, who has been dealing with a knee issue, also missed the same two matches. Both players have contributed earlier in the season – Szoboszlai has three goals in eight appearances and famously scored a free‑kick against Arsenal last season – and their return would add creativity and depth to Liverpool’s midfield.

The Reds, however, still have a number of long‑term absentees. Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike remain unavailable, leaving a gap at right‑back and in attack. Iraola stressed that the focus remains on overall improvement rather than individual returns, noting that “it is still October” and that the team must take “one game at a time.”

Arsenal’s injury bounce‑back

Arteta’s side entered the weekend after a disappointing 1‑1 loss to fourth‑tier Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup. The Gunners have been hampered by a spate of injuries, with key figures missing the midweek defeat. Since then, Arteta has reported progress on several of those players.

Rice, who felt a hamstring discomfort against Everton, has been training and “if they train tomorrow, they will all be available,” Arteta said regarding Rice, Calafiori and Tzolis. Calafiori, who was forced off after a brief cameo in the 2‑0 win over Everton, also appears to be on the recovery track.

Madueke’s situation remains less certain. The winger has been managing a minor ankle issue and Arteta admitted, “We don’t know yet. A training session is planned for tomorrow; let’s see whether he can complete the entire session. After that, we will know.”

Christos Tzolis, who has not featured since returning from an international break hamstring problem, has “stepped up his recovery” and is expected to make a late decision on his involvement.

The Arsenal squad will still be without Bukayo Saka, who is undergoing further scans on a quad injury sustained in the Champions League, and centre‑back William Saliba, who continues his rehabilitation from a back injury.

What the updates mean for Sunday’s clash

Both managers have highlighted the importance of squad depth as they prepare for a match that could have title implications. Liverpool sit six points behind leaders Manchester City and are looking to close the gap on Arsenal, who share top spot with City. A win at Anfield would keep Liverpool within three points of the Gunners and extend their five‑match winning streak across all competitions.

For Arsenal, the Anfield trip offers a chance to rebound from the Carabao Cup embarrassment and maintain momentum in the league. The Gunners have not won a Premier League game at Anfield since September 2012, and Arteta is keen to reverse that trend.

Iraola stressed that Liverpool will approach the game with “different tools” and a focus on winning duels, aerial battles and set‑pieces. He also noted that “we know Arsenal, very good, know each other very well, and we have to be ready.”

Arteta, meanwhile, emphasized the need for a “strong performance” and hinted that the returning players could provide the extra quality required to challenge Liverpool’s defence, which has been bolstered by the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet.

Managerial outlooks

Both coaches appear cautiously optimistic. Iraola’s comments were consistent across Metro UK, Mirror Football, Football.London and the Daily Cannon, all reporting his belief that Szoboszlai and Munoz have a chance to feature, though he stopped short of confirming their inclusion.

Arteta’s briefing, reported by the Evening Standard, highlighted that three players – Rice, Calafiori and Tzolis – “all trained today” and could be available if they train again tomorrow. He left Madueke’s status open, while confirming that Saka and Saliba remain out.

The final line‑ups will likely be revealed on Saturday, but the injury updates suggest both sides could field stronger squads than they have in recent weeks.

Photo: Ronnie Macdonald from Chelmsford, United Kingdom via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0, resized.