Liverpool receive boost as star shines on international duty

Liverpool receive boost as star shines on international duty Liverpool receive Dominik Szoboszlai injury boost after full Hungary appearance Dominik Szoboszlai has provided Liverpool with an encouraging fitness update by completing 90 minutes in Hungary’s 2-0 Nations League victory over Georgia. The midfielder also supplied an assist, making a decisive contribution after concerns over the knee problem he suffered against Crystal Palace before the international break. For Andoni Iraola, his involvement offers reassurance about his availability. It also leaves a familiar question about workload, with another international fixture to come before Liverpool face Manchester United. As Luke Thrower reports for Liverpool.com, Szoboszlai played with tape around his knee. Completing the match is a positive sign, although it does not establish that the discomfort has disappeared entirely. Photo: IMAGO Hungary appearance follows Palace concern Szoboszlai’s participation had been uncertain after he required treatment during Liverpool’s victory at Selhurst Park. He returned for the second half with heavy strapping around his knee and continued before eventually being substituted. Hungary subsequently announced plans for scans to assess the problem. His appearance in training provided the first indication that he could be involved against Georgia. Starting and completing the game then offered stronger evidence that he was capable of playing. That represents progress from the uncertainty surrounding him when he left Liverpool. However, the distinction between being available and being fully recovered remains important, particularly after a season already interrupted by fitness problems. Liverpool will want to know how he responds to the exertion as much as how he performed during the match. Iraola’s warning keeps workload in focus Iraola had expressed concern about Szoboszlai’s condition after the Palace game, while acknowledging how strongly the midfielder values representing Hungary. “He will do everything to go because he loves playing with the national team, but he was not 100 percent,” the Liverpool head coach said. “The last thing we need now is to lose players in international games. Last time in the international break, we lost three players, three very important players.” Those concerns were grounded in Liverpool’s recent experience. Szoboszlai had previously returned from international duty with a hamstring problem, then suffered a recurrence during his comeback against Brentford. The knee issue is a separate concern, but the sequence helps explain why Iraola was cautious. “He has to be careful, see if he can play with the national team or not, but we will see,” he added. “And also hope that it doesn’t happen like the other break where we lost Alex, Cody, Dom. So touch wood, we are in a better place in two weeks.” Late assist helps Hungary secure victory Szoboszlai’s evening included an important attacking contribution as Hungary strengthened their position at the top of their Nations League group. An own goal from Lasha Dvali gave them the lead against Georgia. Szoboszlai then provided the assist for Barnabas Varga to double the advantage inside the final ten minutes. Milos Kerkez also completed the match, giving Liverpool two representatives in a Hungary side that secured a valuable victory. For Szoboszlai, the assist added substance to an appearance that would otherwise have been assessed largely through the lens of his fitness. He remained involved late in the contest and helped put the result beyond Georgia. Liverpool can take encouragement from that contribution while still hoping his international commitments leave him ready for club duty. Northern Ireland fixture presents next decision Hungary’s next match is against Northern Ireland on Tuesday, with their opponents sitting two points behind them in second place. A draw would secure top spot and promotion, making the fixture significant enough that Szoboszlai’s involvement cannot be taken lightly from Hungary’s perspective. Whether he starts again remains to be seen. Completing one full match does not automatically settle the question of how much football he should play in the next. For Liverpool, the preferred outcome is straightforward: a midfielder returning with confidence, match rhythm and no further setback. The Georgia appearance has eased the immediate uncertainty around his availability. The remaining test is whether he can come through the rest of the international break in a condition that allows Iraola to use him effectively against Manchester United.