Szoboszlai expects to be fit for Hungary’s Nations League decider

Dominik Szoboszlai expects to be available for Hungary’s decisive Nations League match against Northern Ireland on Tuesday, despite suffering a knee concern during the warm-up before Saturday’s victory over Georgia.

The Liverpool midfielder completed the full 90 minutes and provided an assist as Hungary won 2-0 at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi.

Szoboszlai had looked a doubt for the fixture after being substituted with a knee strain during Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat by Crystal Palace before the FIFA international break. He appeared to have heavy strapping around his right knee after that match.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola had also acknowledged that the 26-year-old was not fully fit before he joined up with Hungary for further assessment.

Szoboszlai revealed he came close to withdrawing from the Georgia match after feeling discomfort while shooting during the pre-match warm-up.

“During the warm-up I was close to saying that I wouldn’t be able to play after all, I felt the injury during one of my shots,” Szoboszlai told reporters after Hungary’s away win.

“But I thought to myself that, having come this far, I wasn’t going to let the team down. So, I tried to give everything I had, as best as I could. My leg felt good, but now the treatment process starts all over again, and I need to be ready for Tuesday.”

Hungary are second in Nations League B, Group 2, and will face group leaders Northern Ireland on Tuesday in a match that could prove decisive.

Szoboszlai is then due to return to Liverpool ahead of their Premier League derby against Manchester United at Anfield next Sunday.