Dominik Szoboszlai joined Hungary's open training session on Friday, easing concerns over his fitness ahead of their Nations League trip to Georgia. The Liverpool midfielder had been a doubt for the match after being forced off with a knee injury during the Reds' 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.
The 26-year-old sustained the problem shortly before half-time at Selhurst Park and received treatment on the pitch. He continued after the break with his knee heavily strapped before being withdrawn in the 69th minute.
Injury Assessment and Squad Decision
Andoni Iraola had admitted that Szoboszlai might have to withdraw from the Hungary squad because of the injury following Liverpool's victory over the Eagles. However, Szoboszlai reported for international duty after undergoing tests, with the Hungarian Football Federation revealing he would continue to work closely with medical staff before a late decision on his involvement during the November break.
An official statement on Tuesday read: “All the squad members arrived in Telki on Monday, but not everyone was able to participate in the first training session.”
“Dominik Szoboszlai underwent tests in accordance with the protocol, and the national team's medical staff will do everything in the coming days to ensure that the team captain is available to the professional staff as soon as possible.”
“However, a decision on his game will certainly only be made at the last minute.”
Training Participation and Management
Hungary held an open training session on Friday ahead of their penultimate Nations League match away at Georgia on Saturday. Szoboszlai took part in the session alongside his team-mates with his knee still heavily strapped.
Video footage of the session was shared by Nemzeti Sport Online, showing the Hungary captain jogging around the pitch, stretching, completing other warm-up exercises, and kicking a ball as part of another training exercise. Meanwhile, Blikk reported that while Szoboszlai was seen taking part in the entire open training session, he was 'taking his time with everything' as Hungary continued to manage him carefully.
It remains to be seen what the extent of his involvement can be against Georgia, or in Hungary's final Nations League game at home to Northern Ireland. By taking part in open training, Szoboszlai has seemingly handed his nation a boost as Liverpool watch on anxiously.
