Arne Slot Drops Bombshell: Liverpool Star's Condition Sparks Major Concern
Liverpool boss Arne Slot disclosed that Dominik Szoboszlai's ankle problem picked up on Saturday "didn't appear positive" in a worrying assessment regarding the club's standout performer this campaign.
Throughout a challenging season for the Premier League titleholders, both on the field and behind the scenes, Szoboszlai has remained the sole constant. Wherever the dynamic Hungarian has been deployed, he has fulfilled every responsibility and exceeded expectations.
Although frequently utilized at right-back, Szoboszlai records the highest number of shots on target among all Liverpool players in the Premier League this term. The natural central midfielder also tops the team's statistics for progressive passes, deliveries into the box, and defensive challenges.
Szoboszlai's adaptability was evident once more this weekend. Beginning the Brighton encounter in Mohamed Salah's absence on Liverpool's right flank, the 25-year-old seamlessly transitioned into defensive duties when Joe Gomez became unable to continue. Regrettably for Slot and Liverpool supporters, Szoboszlai would subsequently require substitution.
The resilient midfielder initially collapsed in the 70th minute following contact. After receiving medical attention, Szoboszlai managed to persevere for another 10 minutes before ultimately hobbling off the pitch.
"Dom, it concerned his ankle," Slot acknowledged directly after the 2–0 victory. "It didn't appear encouraging when I observed him moments ago."
Additional examinations will certainly be performed, though the Dutch manager wasn't entirely pessimistic. "He possesses incredible determination, so we remain optimistic,"
Slot has fielded Szoboszlai in every one of Liverpool's 22 Premier League and Champions League matches this season, deploying the adaptable player across six distinct roles. Only a minor illness prevented the Hungary captain from featuring last campaign, and nearly two years have passed since his last muscular setback.
There remains a strong possibility that Liverpool's fighter will force his way back into selection for the team's upcoming fixture—a visit to Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday—though at least one name was added to the club's casualty list.
Slot Provides Minimum Recovery Timeline for Joe Gomez
While Szoboszlai's fitness history is virtually unblemished, few can match the concerning record that Joe Gomez possesses.
Liverpool's popular defender was absent for 28 matches last season due to two significant hamstring problems, leading Slot to approach his gradual return to the first team with considerable care in recent weeks. Nevertheless, Gomez's excellent performances combined with Conor Bradley's unavailability convinced the Dutch coach to grant his England defender four appearances within a fortnight. Less than 25 minutes had elapsed before his body failed him against Brighton.
"When a player departs with a muscular problem like Joe experienced, that's typically not encouraging," Slot reflected after the match. "I wouldn't anticipate his inclusion in next week's squad."
Bradley will return for the Tottenham away fixture after completing his one-game ban against the Seagulls. With Gomez joining Jeremie Frimpong in the treatment room and Szoboszlai potentially unavailable, the Northern Ireland defender could well be Liverpool's sole right-back option for next weekend.