Dominik Szoboszlai absence explained as Liverpool without key player for pre-season friendly

Liverpool have revealed why Dominik Szoboszlai will miss today's pre-season friendly against Greuther Furth.

The Hungarian played 45 minutes in the Reds' 4-2 win over Karlsruher last week, but is absent from the squad altogether to take on Furth.

He has been replaced in midfield by Cody Gakpo, who scored in the second half of last week's win.

The Dutchman featured in attack during that second half, where he linked up well with Diogo Jota, but is capable of playing in an advanced midfield role.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to continue in midfield, with Conor Bradley again starting at right-back after his first half appearance against Karlsruher.

The England international will be joined by Alexis Mac Allister as part of a three-player midfield, with Ben Doak, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota getting the nod up front.

Why is Szoboszlai missing Liverpool friendly?

Liverpool have confirmed that Szoboszlai is absent as a precaution, having picked up a minor knock in training.

Jurgen Klopp will be relieved that the injury appears to not be serious, with Szoboszlai one of Liverpool's two marquee signings so far this summer.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the 22-year-old rolled his ankle in training ahead of the Furth game, and was being assessed by the Reds medical team.

He did not take part in Saturday's session as a result, with Monday's friendly deemed too soon for him to make an appearance.

Szoboszlai impressed in his debut Liverpool match against Karlsruher, producing a moment of magic with a cross-field long pass that found the boot of Mohamed Salah.

He played 45 minutes in the match, with Liverpool electing to field two separate XIs in what was their first friendly of the summer.

Klopp will hope to have one of his star players back for the Reds' next friendly, which takes place against Leicester in Singapore on June 30.

They then have to take part in two more friendlies, against Bayern Munich and Darmstadt, before the kick-off of the new Premier League season, which is now under three weeks away.