Hungary moved first with the news. The Hungarian Football Federation confirmed on Monday afternoon that Szoboszlai had reported for international duty and been sent straight for medical checks.
“(Dominik Szoboszlai) who was substituted in the 69th minute of Liverpool FC’s match yesterday, is undergoing tests today, Monday, following the usual protocol in such cases,” the federation said.
The injury traces back to Sunday’s win at Selhurst Park. Szoboszlai set up Alexis Mac Allister’s 40th-minute opener with a free-kick, played on with the knee strapped through the second half, and was eventually replaced by 19-year-old Trey Nyoni.
Iraola flags hyper-extension
Iraola, in his first season as Liverpool head coach, said after the game that the issue looked like a hyper-extension and that he could not yet tell how serious it was.
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“Dom had, I don’t know [if it is] a problem, but definitely not 100 per cent. Let’s see,” he told reporters.
The Spaniard was pointed about the timing, with a Liverpool player heading out of a win and straight into an international window, without openly asking Hungary to stand him down.
“I know that he will do everything to go because he loves to play with the national team, but he was not 100 per cent now when he finished the game.”
A week Liverpool cannot afford to lose him
Szoboszlai has been one of the most reliable figures in a side still finding its shape under Iraola. Sunday’s result at Selhurst Park, with goals from Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, lifted Liverpool to fourth after back-to-back defeats. Losing their creative hub for the first Premier League fixture after the window would be a serious blow.
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Hungary have their own call to make
Hungary have two UEFA Nations League matches in the window, away to Georgia on Saturday, 14 November, and at home to Northern Ireland on Tuesday, 17 November. Szoboszlai is Hungary’s captain and has been central to the team’s attack.
The federation has said it will update the public on the outcome of Monday’s tests as soon as developments allow.
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