Domink Szoboszlai’s Injury Poses Challenge for Hungary Ahead of Nations League Matches
Dominik Szoboszlai’s health has raised concerns for Hungary as they prepare for this month’s Nations League fixtures. The Liverpool midfielder has joined the national team camp with a knee sprain, and a decision on his participation is expected to come down to the wire.
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The 26-year-old underwent an evaluation by Hungary’s medical team after arriving in Telki on Monday evening. This initial assessment signals a lack of optimism surrounding his fitness.
Szoboszlai has already faced an injury-interrupted season, missing five matches earlier this year due to a hamstring issue after the September and October international breaks. He had just returned to the matchday squad for Liverpool’s Premier League loss to Arsenal when this new injury arose.
Hungary confirmed that the knee problem originated from his injury during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace on November 8. Their statement indicates that any decision regarding Szoboszlai will “almost certainly only be made at the last minute,” creating uncertainty for the team before their upcoming matches against Georgia on Saturday, November 14, and Northern Ireland at the Puskas Arena on Tuesday, November 17.
Photo: IMAGO
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Criticism Arises Over Handling of Szoboszlai’s Injury
Criticism has also emerged regarding how the injury issue has been managed. Janos Csank, a former captain and manager of Hungary, expressed his frustration, saying, “I was really annoyed. Szoboszlai went down on the pitch in the first half, and at half-time I was certain he wouldn’t come back on for the second half.”
Csank continued, “Then I saw him standing there on the pitch, with black tape on his leg, his knee. Then the manager starts sobbing that he is injured. He should have been substituted straight away, they were leading 1-0.”
This critique seems valid considering the visible concern during halftime. Szoboszlai received treatment before the break, played on with his knee strapped, and was eventually substituted in the 69th minute for Trey Nyoni.
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Andoni Iraola Faces Tough Decision on Szoboszlai’s Availability
After the match, Andoni Iraola commented that Szoboszlai was “fine, but not 100 percent,” adding, “The last thing we need now is to lose players in the international games.” Given the context, this comment feels disconcerting.
Liverpool has dealt with players returning from international duty with fitness issues, including Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and even Szoboszlai earlier this season. Both club and national team are eager to avoid another unnecessary problem.
Marco Rossi Considers Alternatives for Szoboszlai
Hungary’s manager, Marco Rossi, must now weigh his options on whether to risk his captain or consider alternatives. Vasas midfielder Jozsef Urblík is under consideration should Szoboszlai be unable to pass the final fitness assessments.
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With Hungary currently second in League B Group 2, holding seven points from four matches—just one point behind Northern Ireland—the stakes are high. Securing first place leads to promotion to League A, while second place triggers a promotion play-off in March. Szoboszlai’s fitness could significantly impact this situation, and Liverpool faces its own anxious wait before resuming Premier League play against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, November 22.
