Why Is Dominik Szoboszlai Not Playing for Liverpool vs. Villarreal?

Liverpool will be without their midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai, for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Villarreal as he has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury that flared up in the 2-1 Premier League win over Brentford.

Read more France To Eliminate Thoroughbred Racing At 24 Tracks In Cost-Cutting Plan

The 25-year-old was substituted in Saturday’s game, adding to Liverpool’s fitness woes ahead of their third Champions League league-phase clash. Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed that Szoboszlai will miss the Villarreal game and said he will have to be patient while the midfielder is working towards a full recovery.

The absence is especially disappointing for Liverpool, as Szoboszlai has proved to be a significant figure in midfield this season. He has been a source of energy, pressing intensity, and creativity in the middle of the park, having contributed three goals in eight appearances across all competitions.

Why Is Dominik Szoboszlai Missing Against Villarreal?

The hamstring issue that saw Szoboszlai miss the last two games for Liverpool is back. He was soon to be back in action against Brentford, but the problem came back out on the pitch, and he was forced off.

The midfielder’s latest setback is not a new injury, but the same issue that has plagued him recently, Iraola said.

“Dom Szoboszlai is different. It’s not a new injury, I think it’s in the same place it was probably last week,” the Liverpool manager said.

Read more Michelle Yu Hanson, Hannah Hamelback To Co-Host TCA’s Bash At The Breeders’ Cup Fundraiser

“But we need more patience with him,” Iraola added.

Liverpool are also without Jeremie Frimpong, who was injured again in the same game with a muscle ailment. The right-back is likely to spend more time on the bench, as Iraola said it may be tough to get him back before the November international break.

When Will Szoboszlai Return for Liverpool?

Liverpool have not yet confirmed a definite return date for Szoboszlai. Iraola’s comments suggest the medical team will closely monitor the midfielder’s recovery and focus on getting him back to full fitness before the next match.

🚨⚠️ Andoni Iraola: “Szoboszlai has suffered a problem but it’s the same place as last week. He hasn’t worsened it, but we will have to be a little bit more patient until he recovers fully”. pic.twitter.com/DYvnrPfxVF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 19, 2026

Ryan Gravenberch is back after a one-match domestic suspension and will be another option in midfield against Villarreal.

Liverpool will miss out on an important source of energy and forward movement with the absence of Szoboszlai, but will hope a cautious approach will not make the problem worse.

Read more Why Rodri Isn’t Playing for Barcelona vs. PSG-Champions League

More Soccer News

• Why Is Florian Wirtz on the Bench for Liverpool vs. Villarreal in UEFA Champions League?
• Why Is Jeremy Doku Not Starting for Manchester City vs. AEK Athens?
• Why Is Bradley Barcola Not Playing for Liverpool vs. Villarreal in UEFA Champions League?
• Why Is Antoine Semenyo Not Playing Tonight for Manchester City vs. AEK Athens?

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published October 20, 2026 at 2:35 PM.