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Dominik Szoboszlai is hoping to be passed fit for Liverpool’s Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The Hungarian, who has started all 22 Premier League and Champions League games this season, was replaced in the 83rd minute of last weekend’s win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Szoboszlai received on-field treatment after sustaining an ankle injury in the latter stages of the 2-0 victory, and while he managed to continue for a short period, Arne Slot made the decision to replace the 25-year-old.
“Dom, it was his ankle. It didn't look great when I just saw him. But he has an unbelievable mentality, so let's hope for the best,” the Liverpool head coach said after the game.
According to The Athletic, scans have since proved that the injury is not set to be a long-term problem, with Szoboszlai “responding well to treatment in recent days”.
The report adds that a final decision about his involvement at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be made on Friday.
Should he miss out, there is an expectation that Szoboszlai will be back to face Wolverhampton Wanderers the following week.
The injury blow comes amid of spate of fresh problems for Liverpool. Joe Gomez also hobbled out of the Brighton game and Slot has already indicated he is unlikely to return in time for the Spurs game.
Wataru Endo and Cody Gakpo picked up injuries last week and are not expected to be back in time for the weekend, although Jeremie Frimpong is nearing a return to first-team action.
As for Szoboszlai, he has established himself as one of Liverpool’s most reliable players this term, despite many wondering what role he would have following the influx of summer arrivals.
Before being replaced against Brighton, the only minutes the ex-RB Leipzig man had missed this season came in Liverpool’s two Carabao Cup outings.
His versatility has also proved to be a hugely valuable asset. Szoboszlai has started in four different positions this season, and once again filled in at right-back on Saturday following Gomez’s early withdrawal.
Conor Bradley’s return from suspension at Tottenham will at least resolve that issue, but the lack of midfield and attacking options is a concern, especially after Mohamed Salah’s departure to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool’s most likely approach at the weekend will be a midfield diamond of Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz, with Hugo Ekitike partnering Alexander Isak up front.
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