Liverpool and Hungary are waiting for the outcome of medical checks on Dominik Szoboszlai after the midfielder experienced a knee problem during Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League victory at Crystal Palace. The Hungarian Football Federation confirmed on Monday, 9 November, that he was undergoing examinations, but it has not announced a diagnosis or a recovery timetable.
What happened to Szoboszlai against Crystal Palace?
Szoboszlai played a significant part in Liverpool’s win at Selhurst Park before being replaced in the 69th minute. His free-kick delivery created the opening goal for Alexis Mac Allister, yet the midfielder had also needed attention for his knee during the match. The concern was sufficiently apparent for Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola to discuss his condition afterwards.
Iraola suggested that the player may have extended his knee awkwardly and stressed that he was not fully comfortable by the time he came off. That description is an initial assessment from the manager, not a confirmed medical diagnosis. There is no reliable basis at present for attaching a specific number of weeks to a possible absence.
Hungary confirms further medical examinations
The Hungarian Football Federation said on Monday that Szoboszlai would undergo tests in accordance with the usual procedure following his substitution. The federation also indicated that further information would follow when available. Its statement establishes that an assessment is taking place; it does not establish that he has been ruled out of international matches.
That distinction matters. Reports about scans and examinations can easily be mistaken for confirmation of a serious injury, but testing is intended to determine the nature and extent of a problem. Until the medical staff provide an update, supporters should treat his availability as uncertain rather than assume either a swift return or an extended lay-off.
Why the international break complicates Liverpool’s decision
Szoboszlai’s situation has implications for both club and country. Hungary are preparing for Nations League fixtures against Georgia and Northern Ireland, while Liverpool will want to protect a player whose workload and fitness have already been closely watched this season.
Iraola made clear after the Palace game that he was concerned about the possibility of players returning from international duty with further problems. He also acknowledged the midfielder’s commitment to representing Hungary. The two medical teams therefore have an important role in assessing whether any participation would be appropriate.
A player being named in an international squad, or joining up for assessment, is not proof that he is fit to start. Equally, the decision to undergo examinations does not itself amount to a withdrawal. The next meaningful update will be the assessment of his knee and any subsequent decision on training and match involvement.
Why Liverpool will be watching closely
Sunday’s victory gave Liverpool a positive result heading into the international period. Szoboszlai’s contribution to the opening goal illustrated the value of his set-piece delivery and ability to influence attacking phases. Losing those qualities for any period would present a selection challenge, even if the club has alternatives in midfield.
The immediate priority, however, is clarity rather than speculation about replacements. The nature of the issue, the player’s response to treatment and the demands of international football will all affect the next decision. None of those questions can be settled solely from the fact that he left the pitch after 69 minutes.
For supporters, the most useful distinction is between what has been confirmed and what remains unknown. The substitution, knee concern and Monday examinations are established. A definitive diagnosis, an international withdrawal and a return date have not been confirmed in the reporting available at the time of writing.
What happens next?
Liverpool and Hungary will assess the findings before determining the midfielder’s immediate programme. Further updates may clarify whether he can train normally, needs modified work or should miss international fixtures. Until then, suggestions that he will definitely play or definitely be sidelined would be premature.
The case also illustrates a familiar tension in the international calendar: a player can be influential for his club at the weekend while still requiring careful evaluation before joining his national team. Both sides have an interest in making a decision based on medical evidence rather than the importance of the upcoming matches.
Sources: RTÉ Sport / PA, 9 November 2026; The Independent, 9 November 2026; BBC Sport, 9 November 2026.