Szoboszlai injury update offers cautious encouragement

Liverpool’s win over Brighton came with an unwanted subplot as Dominik Szoboszlai was forced off late on, immediately raising anxiety around Anfield. The midfielder has been one of the few constants in a season of uneven rhythm, and his importance under Arne Slot has only grown as others have rotated in and out.

Szoboszlai’s influence has gone beyond aesthetics. His running power, control in transition and leadership in midfield have made him central to Liverpool’s structure. In many respects, he has looked close to undroppable. That is why the sight of him going down with an ankle issue, and Slot’s admission that it “did not look too good”, felt ominous.

There has, however, been some early reassurance.

Initial tests ease immediate fears

Reports from Hungary have provided Liverpool with a measure of relief. According to Hungarian newspaper Nemzeti Sport, Szoboszlai has undergone early assessments, with the publication stating that the “initial tests did not reveal any serious injury.”

That line alone has been enough to steady nerves, even if it comes with important caveats. The same report adds that “it will likely be known in the second half of the week whether he will be able to play in the league match against Tottenham.”

In practical terms, that leaves Liverpool in a holding pattern. There is optimism that this is not a long term issue, but no certainty that Szoboszlai will be ready in time for the weekend. It remains a decision shaped by how his ankle responds over the coming days, rather than any firm diagnosis.

Importance to Slot system

Szoboszlai’s value to Slot has been clear since the opening weeks of the campaign. He has started every Premier League and Champions League match until Brighton, often completing the full 90 minutes. That workload alone points to a player operating close to physical limits.

Liverpool’s midfield balance has frequently depended on his ability to cover ground and knit phases together. Without him, the system risks losing intensity and control, particularly against an opponent like Tottenham, where energy in central areas is crucial.

Yet that same importance makes caution essential. Liverpool have already been stretched by injuries elsewhere, and pushing Szoboszlai back too early would risk turning a manageable issue into something far more damaging.

Patience required amid tight schedule

While supporters may hope for a swift return, the smarter course is restraint. Szoboszlai is not a player known for exaggeration. When he goes down, it usually means something is wrong. That alone argues for listening to the body rather than the fixture list.

The decisive indicators will come on the training pitches and in Slot’s next media briefing. Until then, Liverpool must weigh short term need against long term sustainability. If the ankle is not fully settled, a brief absence may be preferable to weeks on the sidelines later.

For now, the update offers hope rather than certainty. Szoboszlai’s injury does not appear serious, but Liverpool’s handling of the situation may matter just as much as the initial tests.