Hungary’s 3-0 victory over Israel on Saturday was marred by an injury scare for their star player, Dominik Szoboszlai, who was forced off the field just before the hour mark.
This incident occurred just one week before Hungary’s opening match at Euro 2024, making the sight of the Liverpool midfielder and national team captain being withdrawn particularly alarming for fans and team officials alike.
Szoboszlai’s premature exit from the game led to immediate concerns about his availability for the upcoming European Championship.
The 23-year-old has already experienced the disappointment of missing a major tournament due to injury, having had to pull out of Euro 2020 on the eve of the competition.
For Szoboszlai to miss this summer’s finals in Germany for a similar reason would indeed be a cruel twist of fate.
Fortunately, a post-match update from journalist Bence Bocsak has provided some reassurance. According to Bocsak, the decision to withdraw Szoboszlai was a precautionary measure taken by Hungary’s coach, Marco Rossi.
This cautious approach was likely influenced by the looming start of Euro 2024, with Hungary set to play their first match next Saturday. Rossi’s intent appears to have been to protect his key player from aggravating any potential injury ahead of the tournament.
Szoboszlai’s injury history adds context to the anxiety surrounding his recent substitution. He had a promising start to his Liverpool career but suffered a hamstring problem that sidelined him for most of January and February.
Since then, Szoboszlai hasn’t been able to exert the same level of influence on matches, making his fitness a critical concern for both his club and national team.
Despite these challenges, Szoboszlai has been a pivotal figure for Hungary. His leadership and skill on the field have made him indispensable, and his presence is vital for Hungary’s hopes at Euro 2024.
The team’s manager, Marco Rossi, is evidently aware of this, hence the decision to err on the side of caution during the friendly against Israel.
The upcoming European Championship holds significant importance for Szoboszlai and his career. Participating in such a prestigious tournament offers not only a chance for national glory but also an opportunity for Szoboszlai to showcase his talents on one of the biggest stages in football. Missing out again would be a significant setback, especially considering his previous misfortune with injuries.
For Liverpool, Szoboszlai’s fitness is equally crucial. The midfielder’s form and health are essential for the team’s aspirations in both domestic and European competitions.
Any injury he sustains could potentially disrupt Liverpool’s plans, especially as they prepare for the new season under manager Arne Slot. Ensuring that Szoboszlai returns from international duty in good condition will be a priority for the club.
