Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai remains uncertain for Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with LASK after a hamstring problem, and manager Andoni Iraola has conceded that the quick turnaround makes a return difficult.
The Hungary international was absent from Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League loss at Manchester City after coming back from international duty with a hamstring issue. The problem is not thought to be serious, but with little time between matches, Szoboszlai must prove his fitness before the trip to Austria.
His possible absence would add to the problems for Iraola, who is already managing several injuries in his Liverpool squad. The 25 year old is being assessed by the club’s medical staff to see whether he can play without worsening the problem.
Iraola said Szoboszlai tried to keep training despite feeling discomfort. Speaking after the Manchester City game, with quotes via The Athletic, Iraola explained: “Dom came from the national team with tiredness and overload. We put him as a floater in the training session to try to protect him, but he was not feeling okay.
“It is something very small but now we play four games in 10 days, so it’s going to be difficult because now we fly to Austria in two days. I think it’s going to be difficult to recover any of the injured players.”
The Liverpool manager’s comments indicate the club does not want to take unnecessary risks with a key midfielder. Only three days separate the Manchester City defeat and Wednesday’s Champions League fixture, leaving Szoboszlai little time to show he is ready.
If he does not make enough progress, Liverpool could travel to Austria without their vice captain. Szoboszlai picked up the problem while playing for Hungary during the international break. He appeared in games against Georgia and Ukraine before returning to Merseyside with hamstring tightness.
His absence was especially frustrating during Sunday’s loss to Manchester City. Liverpool went down to ten men in the 62nd minute when Ryan Gravenberch was shown a controversial second yellow card. Manchester City then made their extra player count, with Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki scoring in a devastating 13 minute spell.
Szoboszlai’s energy, pressing intensity and ability to carry the ball through midfield were qualities Liverpool could have used in a difficult second half.
The doubt over Szoboszlai deepens Iraola’s selection concerns. Liverpool are already missing attacking pair Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, who were hurt while playing for their national teams. Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni also remain unavailable as they recover from longer term setbacks.
With so many important players out, Iraola may need to make more changes to his starting XI for Wednesday’s match. Liverpool want a positive response after the Manchester City defeat, but Szoboszlai’s possible absence would deny them another influential figure.
For now, the Hungarian’s involvement is unclear as Liverpool continue to monitor his recovery before travelling to LASK.
Szoboszlai’s involvement remains uncertain as Liverpool continue to assess his recovery ahead of the trip to LASK.