The Liverpool manager spoke to the media ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup clash against Arsenal.
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Dominic Szoboszlei will be unavailable ahead of this weekend’s game against Arsenal. The Reds returned to the FA Cup after a disappointing fourth round last season, beating Wolves in the third round before losing 2-1 to Brighton.
With Liverpool performing well in the Carabao Cup (semi-finals), Europa League (quarter-finals) and Premier League (1st place), this is an opportunity to step up to a new competition, but there are unlikely to be many ties. It’s harder than that.
They travel to the Emirates on Sunday to face Mikel Arteta’s side, who suffered back-to-back defeats against West Ham and Fulham after being held to a 1-1 draw at Anfield on December 23. Liverpool lost 2-1 in the league at the Emirates Stadium.
They will have to make do without a few key names from last season. Instead, Klopp’s side have won both of their games at Anfield – beating Burnley at Turf Moor and beating Newcastle United 4-2 in hugely entertaining games – and will go into the game full of confidence.
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Mohamed Salah will miss his first game this week after being left out of the squad to join Egypt ahead of next week’s Africa Cup of Nations. Midfielder Wataru Endo, who is playing for Japan in the Asian Cup, also absent.
One key figure who could miss the match against Arsenal is midfielder Szoboszlay. The Hungarian has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success this season but picked up a hamstring injury against Eddie Howe’s side and Klopp has confirmed he will miss at least the next two games with the injury.
Klopp: “It’s not the possibility of injury, it’s the injury. The muscle tendon – now we have to look at that. Dom is very positive. It doesn’t hurt much. But we will have to wait a little longer. No opportunity on Sunday or Wednesday. “It could be bad, but we’ll have to wait and see.” Harvey Elliott looks the most likely candidate to replace Salah at right winger and will be boosted by the return of loanee Owen Beck. Dundee United are expected to sign left-back Andy Beck.
Helped cover injuries to Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Listed as long-term absentees are Thiago (hip), Stefan Vaicetic (calf), Kostas Tsimikas (arm), Ben Doak (knee) and Joel Matip (knee).
