Iraola delivers mixed injury update on Barcola, Muñoz, and Szoboszlai

Bradley Barcola will be at Andoni Iraola's disposal for Liverpool's Sunday showdown against Premier League surprise package Brighton. The Frenchman sat out yesterday's training session but was back involved with the rest of the squad today. Victor Muñoz, who missed the clash with Villarreal, remains a doubt, while Dominik Szoboszlai has definitely been ruled out for the weekend.

"Bradley trained as normal today. There are no issues—sometimes we just have to manage the workload, but he is fine," Iraola explained. "Victor has a slight knock. He managed to finish the game against Brentford, but he's feeling some pain. Villarreal came too soon for him, and as for tomorrow, it's hard to say—I really don't know."

"Szoboszlai will not be available this weekend. He hasn't trained with the squad yet, but I don't think he'll be out for long. The outlook is positive. Dom is already doing individual work on the pitch and is close to joining team training, but he isn't ready for this upcoming match."

"We are making changes because we're playing every three or four days. Sometimes players get tired, and we have to weigh up whether they need a rest or if it's better to bring in fresh legs. It will be the same in our upcoming fixtures—we'll continue along this path. Overall, I think the players are handling the demands well. Rio Ngumoha isn't tired. I want all of them involved in every game. As for the attack, I usually rotate the wingers and forwards. Most of the time they don't play the full 90 minutes, so the idea is for them to give everything they have. We rotate those positions almost every match," Iraola stated, before offering high praise for his next opponents.

"Brighton have been performing exceptionally well and deserve all the credit they are getting. They are remarkably well-coached and strong in every phase of play—one of the best sides around, full of quality. We have to bring our absolute best. I believe our team is in good shape. It probably won't be much different from the Villarreal game; they know how to control various phases and are technically gifted, so I expect a similar battle. It's unlikely to be a drab 0-0 where nothing happens. Both teams will be trying to take charge of the match."

The Spaniard once again praised the impact of his youngsters, particularly Rio Ngumoha, as well as the consistently high standards Alexis Mac Allister has delivered since the start of the season.

"Alexis is one of our leaders. He brings vast experience. Even though he isn't old, he has played in the biggest matches and won major trophies for both club and country. His performances have always been at a very high level. He was the last to join us—I think he arrived just after Victor Muñoz—but within two or three weeks he was in great shape and has maintained that consistency ever since."

The manager also admitted he could call upon Ryan Gravenberch at right-back again in the future. The Dutchman was shifted into the role during the match against Villarreal and produced a solid display.

"If you ask me what his best position is, I'd say he's an 'eight', but he can also do a job as a 'six'—he even won the title playing there. He can play at right-back, as we recently saw, and he can operate as a 'ten'. At certain points, he has even played as a centre-back; he is incredibly valuable because of his versatility. Right now we need cover in other areas, and he can help out. We've lost Frimpong and Bradley."