Szoboszlai knee injury puts Hungary Nations League role in doubt
Dominik Szoboszlai will be assessed for a knee problem before Hungary's Nations League matches against Georgia and Northern Ireland, with Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola anxious about losing more players on international duty.
Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai is awaiting tests on a knee injury that will determine whether he can join the national squad for the Nations League fixtures against Georgia and Northern Ireland. The Liverpool midfielder was withdrawn after 69 minutes of Sunday's 3-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Anfield.
The Hungarian Football Federation said its captain is following the standard procedure for such cases and that it will provide an update on his availability as soon as possible. Hungary, coached by Marco Rossi, travel to Georgia on Saturday before hosting Northern Ireland in Budapest on 17 November in the final match of the campaign.
Hungary sit second in Nations League Group B2, one point behind leaders Northern Ireland, making that closing fixture a potential decider. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said he understands Szoboszlai's desire to represent his country but stressed that the player did not finish the Palace game at full fitness.
Iraola said medical staff will need to assess the problem, adding that he believes the midfielder extended his knee and must be careful about whether he can feature for Hungary. The Liverpool boss also voiced concern about international duty, noting that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo were among three important players lost during the previous break, before the 3-0 defeat by Manchester City.
Szoboszlai's fitness is therefore central to Hungary's plans for a campaign climax that could hinge on the meeting with Northern Ireland. Supporters will be watching the medical update closely, though no timeline beyond the federation's statement has been given.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
