Dominik Szoboszlai Injury Latest Raises Liverpool and Hungary Selection Concerns

Liverpool are facing an awkward international break dilemma after Dominik Szoboszlai linked up with Hungary despite suffering an injury in the 3-1 win at Crystal Palace. The midfielder turned his ankle at Selhurst Park, and while the issue has not been described as serious, there remains uncertainty over whether he will feature for his country in the coming days.

Hungary have indicated that any decision on the 26-year-old’s involvement against Georgia and Northern Ireland will be left until the last minute, with his condition continuing to be monitored. That update has naturally prompted concern on Merseyside, where squad management will be crucial across a demanding run of fixtures.

Szoboszlai injury leaves Liverpool with difficult call

The central issue for Liverpool is straightforward. Szoboszlai is under contract at Anfield, and if the club felt the injury posed enough of a risk, there was scope to prevent his participation during this international window. Instead, he has remained with Hungary while fitness checks continue.

Photo: IMAGO

That has led to questions over whether Liverpool should have taken a firmer line. John Aldridge’s view was clear: “Any other club would pull them out of international duty. Manchester United, Arsenal, Man City, they’d all pull them. We’ve seen it before. Any doubt and that’s it, decision made, you’re not playing. I don’t understand why we don’t throw our weight around like that.”

Those comments reflect a wider frustration felt whenever a key player leaves for international football carrying any sort of physical problem, particularly at a point in the season when fixture congestion can shape campaigns.

Hungary duty remains in balance

There is, however, another side to the situation. Players often place huge importance on representing their country, and Szoboszlai is no different. That emotional pull can make these calls less clear-cut than they appear from the outside.

Aldridge continued, “I understand players want to play for their country. I was the same with Ireland. I would answer call-ups even when I was injured. I get what it means and how much it means to players, but any other club would just pull them. That’s not happened here, I don’t know why. Hopefully that just means it’s not that serious.”

Liverpool may have chosen to respect the player’s wishes while trusting Hungary’s medical staff to act responsibly. With time still available before the first match, there is room for further recovery and reassessment. Yet that hardly removes the concern, particularly given the physical demands placed on a midfielder whose intensity is central to Andoni Iraola’s system.

Liverpool fixture schedule adds to concern

The timing is what sharpens the debate. Liverpool are approaching a packed sequence of matches before the end of December, and any setback for Szoboszlai would be felt immediately. Losing rhythm, availability and midfield balance over an avoidable international appearance would be a blow.

That is why the warning carries weight: “It still sounds like they’re taking a risk. If he stays with Hungary and plays, we’ve just got to hope the decision doesn’t backfire and come back to hurt Liverpool.”

For now, patience is the only option. Hungary have left the matter open, Liverpool will be monitoring developments closely, and Szoboszlai’s own fitness will determine the outcome. If he is genuinely ready, his involvement may pass without issue. If there is any doubt at all, caution would seem the sensible route, especially with Liverpool needing their No. 8 available for the heavy schedule ahead.