Former Hungary boss slams Liverpool for playing injured Szoboszlai on after Iraola's warning

Dominik Szoboszlai’s knee injury sustained during Liverpool’s win at Crystal Palace has sparked a sharp public dispute, with former Hungary captain and manager Janos Csank accusing the Reds of mishandling the midfielder’s fitness by allowing him to play on into the second half.

Szoboszlai went down at Selhurst Park in the first half and returned after the break with his knee heavily strapped before being substituted in the 69th minute. Despite the visible concern, he was subsequently cleared to join the Hungary squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures against Georgia and Northern Ireland.

Csank, 80, made no attempt to hide his frustration. “I was really annoyed,” he told Hungarian outlet Blikk. “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 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.”

The Hungarian Football Federation confirmed earlier this week that Szoboszlai was undergoing tests “following the usual protocol” and pledged to keep the public updated on his condition.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola acknowledged the situation after the Palace match, expressing concern about the player travelling during the international break but stopping short of opposing the decision. “The last thing we need now is to lose players in the international games,” Iraola said. “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.”

Iraola also referenced the previous international window, when Liverpool lost Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Szoboszlai himself to injury while on national team duty. “Touch wood, we are in a better place in two weeks,” he added.

Szoboszlai’s availability for Hungary’s upcoming fixtures remains uncertain, and Liverpool will be watching developments closely as they look to avoid a repeat of the injury disruption that cost them key players last time around.