Liverpool have been criticised for their handling of Dominik Szoboszlai's knee injury during the win at Crystal Palace. The midfielder needed treatment before half-time at Selhurst Park but played on with a heavily strapped knee before being substituted in the 69th minute.
Former Hungary captain criticises decision
Former Hungary captain and manager Janos Csank, 80, has questioned why Liverpool did not withdraw Szoboszlai sooner. Speaking via Blikk, he said: "I was really annoyed. Szoboszlai went down on the pitch in the first half, and at half-time I was certain he wouldn't come back on for the second half."
"Then I saw him standing there on the pitch, with black tape on his leg, his knee. Then the manager [Andoni Iraola] starts sobbing that he is injured. He should have been substituted straight away; they were leading 1-0."
"Half-time comes, and then he sends him back on injured, with his knee bandaged. I'm losing my mind! I just don't get it."
International duty concerns
Szoboszlai was later cleared to join up with the Hungary squad for the Nations League matches against Georgia and Northern Ireland. Ahead of Saturday's game in Georgia, doubts persist over his fitness.
A statement from the Hungarian Football Federation said: "[Szoboszlai], who was substituted in the 69th minute of Liverpool's match yesterday, is undergoing tests following the usual protocol in such cases. We will, of course, keep the public informed of developments as soon as possible."
It was subsequently confirmed that Szoboszlai would remain with the squad. After the game, Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola admitted he would be reluctant to see the player head off on international duty but respected his desire to represent his country.
He said: "The last thing we need now is to lose players in the international games. Last time, we lost three very important players."
"It's the last thing we need, so I hope he can take care of it. I think he extended a little bit the knee, he was fine, but not 100 per cent."
"So he has to be careful to see if he can play with the national team or not, but also hope that it doesn't happen like the other international break when we lost Alex [Alexander Isak], Cody [Gakpo], Dom. So, touch wood, we are in a better place in two weeks."
