Why Dominik Szoboszlai is missing Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has been left out of the squad for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City at Anfield because of a hamstring strain.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola confirmed before kick-off that Szoboszlai had suffered the injury. Speaking in comments reported by the English newspaper Metro, Iraola said the midfielder had tried to continue training but was not fit enough to be included in Liverpool’s starting line-up.

The absence comes as Liverpool face the Premier League leaders in the sixth round of matches. Manchester City have won all five of their opening games and sit top of the table with 15 points, while Liverpool are eighth on nine points.

Liverpool are also without Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo because of injuries. The absences have led to 17-year-old Luis Koumas starting as the team’s central striker against Manchester City.

Liverpool’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Alisson

Defenders: Araujo, Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez

Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz

Forwards: Munoz, Bradley Barcola, Luis Koumas