Hungary have confirmed that captain Dominik Szoboszlai suffered a knee sprain in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, and the midfielder faces a race against time to be fit for his country’s crucial Nations League fixtures. The Hungarian Football Federation said Szoboszlai had undergone the required medical examinations and that its medical staff would do “everything possible” to have him available, but admitted a decision on his availability would “almost certainly only be made at the last minute”.
Szoboszlai was substituted in the 69th minute at Selhurst Park on Sunday after going down late in the first half, receiving treatment and returning with strapping on the knee. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said afterwards that the midfielder was “not 100%” when he came off and that he was “not sure if he’s going to be fine”. The knee sprain diagnosis, confirmed by Hungary on Tuesday, is better news than a ligament tear, but it still leaves his participation in doubt.
A group on a knife edge
The stakes could hardly be higher. Hungary are second in Group B2, one point behind Northern Ireland, with Georgia first up on Saturday, November 14, and then the group decider against Northern Ireland in Budapest on Tuesday, November 17. Szoboszlai has started all four of Hungary’s Nations League games in September and October, and he is the team’s captain and creative hub. Losing him for either game would be a significant blow.
Hungary’s medical staff are working around the clock, and Szoboszlai himself has given the clearest sign of his intentions, posting pictures after arriving with the squad with the caption “Back in town”. He wants to play, and his commitment to the national team has never been in doubt. But a knee sprain is not an injury to gamble with, and Liverpool will be watching closely. The midfielder is a key player for his club as well, and a recurrence could cost him weeks rather than days.
Liverpool’s wider injury worries
Szoboszlai is not Liverpool’s only concern this international break. Virgil van Dijk has pulled out of the Netherlands squad with an injury concern, leaving the club with two senior players either out or doubtful before a ball has been kicked. Fifteen Liverpool players are away on international duty this fortnight, and the club’s medical team will be holding its breath until they all return.
For Hungary, the hope is that Szoboszlai’s sprain settles quickly enough for him to play some part against Georgia. For Liverpool, the hope is that he does not play at all if there is any risk. The tension between club and country is as old as international football, and this week it has a name: Dominik Szoboszlai, Hungary’s captain, racing the clock with a strapped knee and a group to win.
Related reading: Szoboszlai Knee Scare Leaves Liverpool and Hungary Waiting and Liverpool Beat Crystal Palace 3-1 to Climb Into Top Four
