Liverpool Lose Szoboszlai for Manchester City Clash

Liverpool will face Manchester City without Dominik Szoboszlai after a hamstring problem ruled the Hungarian midfielder out of their Premier League meeting at Anfield on October 11, 2026. The absence removes an important midfield option for manager Andoni Iraola as Liverpool seek to maintain their unbeaten league start against one of their major rivals.

The Athletic journalist James Pearce reported the injury on matchday, confirming that Szoboszlai would not be available for the contest. Liverpool had also been managing several other fitness concerns following the international break, increasing the selection challenges ahead of the 4:30 p.m. BST kickoff.

Concerns about Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister emerged earlier on Sunday after footage shared by journalist Keefe Irwin on X appeared to show neither midfielder arriving with the rest of the squad at Liverpool's team hotel. Their absence from the footage prompted questions about their availability, although it did not establish that either player was injured.

Mac Allister subsequently posted his usual matchday photograph on Instagram Stories, easing concerns about his involvement. Szoboszlai's absence was later confirmed, leaving Liverpool to proceed without the Hungarian international against City.

Mac Allister had been expected to partner Ryan Gravenberch in a double midfield pivot, with Szoboszlai potentially operating in a more advanced position. Liverpool's attacking options were already affected by injuries to Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, who sustained thigh and ankle problems, respectively, while representing their countries during the extended international break.

According to the Standard, both forwards were expected to miss the Manchester City fixture. Jeremy Jacquet, however, was fit to play after training despite missing France's Nations League victory over Belgium on Monday night because of a hamstring strain.

Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni also remained unavailable, while Federico Chiesa could return to the matchday squad for the first time this season after recovering from a persistent back complaint. The possible return offered another option as Liverpool dealt with their growing list of absences.

Young midfield and attacking prospects Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas were among the players who could benefit from additional opportunities if further selection problems emerged. Koumas was with the squad on Sunday morning, according to the Standard.

Manchester City also had several fitness and availability issues to monitor before kickoff. Erling Haaland was expected to start after appearing to limp and requesting a substitution during Norway's match the previous weekend, while Antoine Semenyo had recovered from a knock that forced him to withdraw from Ghana's squad.

Nico O'Reilly remained a doubt after an injury curtailed his involvement with England, and Phil Foden was due to serve the final game of a three-match suspension imposed following his dismissal in the Manchester derby the previous month.

The starting lineups were scheduled to be announced at 3:15 p.m. BST, ahead of the 4:30 p.m. BST kickoff at Anfield. The full extent of Szoboszlai's hamstring problem and its potential effect on his availability for Liverpool's subsequent fixtures had not been established in the reports.