Liverpool could do without another injury headache right now, but the latest training pictures have given supporters plenty to think about.
Bradley Barcola was not seen in the footage shown by Sky Sports, with reports indicating that the winger was completing an individual recovery session. Víctor Muñoz was also absent as he continues to recover from a knock to his knee, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong were missing too.
With Brighton visiting Anfield on Sunday, Andoni Iraola will be hoping most of these situations are simply part of the recovery process rather than the start of another frustrating spell on the sidelines.
There is a difference between not being involved in the main training session and suffering a new injury, so I wouldn’t jump to conclusions about Barcola. But the timing isn’t ideal.
Muñoz is another concern
I was particularly interested to see whether Muñoz would be back involved after his recent knee problem.
The Spaniard had to receive treatment during the win over Brentford, but he played on and scored Liverpool’s equaliser. He subsequently missed training ahead of the Villarreal match and was absent from the Champions League squad.
That is a frustrating situation because Muñoz had been showing signs of becoming a useful option for Iraola.
His energy and willingness to work for the team have been valuable, particularly during a period when Liverpool have needed fresh legs. He can offer versatility, too, which is important when the fixtures are coming thick and fast.
Hopefully, the knee knock is only a minor issue. But until Liverpool provide a clearer update, his availability for Brighton has to remain uncertain.
Szoboszlai and Frimpong are badly needed
The situations involving Szoboszlai and Frimpong are more familiar concerns.
Szoboszlai has been struggling with a recurring muscle problem, and Iraola has already stressed the need for patience rather than rushing him back before he is fully recovered.
Frimpong, meanwhile, suffered a fresh muscle injury shortly after coming on against Brentford. The initial indication was that he could struggle to return before the November international break.
Those are two significant absences for Liverpool.
Szoboszlai brings energy, intensity and an ability to cover ground in midfield. Frimpong offers pace and attacking threat, even if Liverpool are still working out how best to use him in the side.
With both unavailable, Iraola has fewer options during a demanding run of matches.
The last thing Liverpool need is for another player to return before he is ready, only to suffer a setback and miss even more football.
Iraola needs some good news
Liverpool have just produced one of the most entertaining games of their season, coming from two goals behind to beat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield.
But the excitement of that comeback shouldn’t distract from the challenge facing Iraola over the next couple of weeks.
Brighton are up next, followed by Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal in the Premier League, before the Champions League trip to Fenerbahçe and the visit to Crystal Palace.
That is a demanding schedule, and Liverpool will need their squad to be as strong as possible.
There are reasons to be positive. Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni have shown they can contribute, while Liverpool still have quality available across the pitch. But there is no escaping the fact that injuries are making selection more difficult.
For now, I wouldn’t assume Barcola has picked up another injury simply because he was doing individual recovery work. Nor would I write Muñoz off for Brighton without a further update.
What Liverpool need now is clarity, and hopefully a few players returning to full training.
After such an encouraging comeback against Villarreal, it would be a real shame if another round of injuries left Iraola short of options just as the fixtures begin to pile up.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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