Liverpool have been handed a worrying fitness concern ahead of their highly anticipated Premier League meeting with Manchester United, with Dominik Szoboszlai facing uncertainty over his availability.
The Hungarian midfielder picked up a knee problem during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Although he managed to continue playing after initially experiencing discomfort, head coach Andoni Iraola eventually substituted him in the 69th minute.
The timing could hardly be worse for Liverpool. Their upcoming clash against Manchester United is scheduled for November 22, and Szoboszlai’s potential absence would be a significant concern for the Reds.
The 26-year-old has become an important part of Liverpool’s midfield structure, offering energy, creativity, and tactical flexibility. Losing him for such an important fixture could force Iraola to reconsider his plans.
However, Liverpool supporters will have to wait for further medical assessments before knowing whether the midfielder will be fit enough to face their biggest rivals.
Szoboszlai Suffers Knee Problem Against Crystal Palace
Dominik Szoboszlai’s injury concern emerged during Liverpool’s trip to Crystal Palace.
The midfielder appeared to experience discomfort in his knee during the first half. Despite the problem, he continued playing after receiving attention and wearing strapping around the affected area.
Szoboszlai remained on the pitch until the 69th minute, when he was replaced by Trey Nyoni.
His contribution before leaving was still important. He provided the free-kick assist for Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal, helping Liverpool establish an advantage in a match they eventually won 3-1.
Speaking after the game, Iraola admitted that the Hungarian international was not completely comfortable.
“Dom just had, I don’t know, a problem, but he definitely was not 100 per cent,” the Liverpool manager explained.
He also suggested that Szoboszlai had extended his knee during the match and needed to be assessed before any decision could be made about his availability.
The comments immediately raised concerns about the midfielder’s condition, particularly with the international break approaching.
Liverpool Await Medical Tests on Szoboszlai
Liverpool are now waiting for a clearer picture of the injury after Hungary’s football federation confirmed that Szoboszlai would undergo medical examinations.
The Hungarian federation announced on November 9 that the midfielder was being assessed following his substitution against Crystal Palace.
The statement indicated that the examinations were part of the usual medical procedure and that further information would be provided when available.
At this stage, there has been no confirmed diagnosis or official recovery timeline.
That means it would be premature to conclude that Szoboszlai will definitely miss Liverpool’s next major fixtures.
Iraola also acknowledged that both Liverpool’s medical staff and Hungary’s medical team would need to assess the situation before deciding whether he could participate in international matches.
The manager is particularly concerned about the possibility of another injury setback during international duty.
“The last thing we need now is to lose players in the international games,” Iraola said.
Liverpool previously experienced fitness problems involving important players during international breaks, making the current situation especially frustrating.
Why Szoboszlai’s Absence Would Be a Major Blow for Liverpool
Szoboszlai’s importance to Liverpool goes beyond his ability to contribute goals and assists.
The Hungarian international provides intensity in midfield, helping the team transition between defensive and attacking phases.
His versatility also gives Iraola several tactical options, as he can operate in different midfield positions depending on the team’s requirements.
If he is unavailable against Manchester United, Liverpool could lose several important qualities.
These include:
- Midfield energy: Szoboszlai regularly contributes pressing intensity and defensive work.
- Creativity: His passing range and set-piece delivery provide additional attacking options.
- Tactical flexibility: He can perform different roles across the midfield.
- Big-game experience: His international and club experience could be valuable in a high-pressure rivalry fixture.
His contribution against Crystal Palace demonstrated that he can influence matches even when Liverpool are not completely dominant.
Replacing those qualities will not necessarily be straightforward, particularly against a Manchester United side that will be looking to compete strongly at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Manchester United: A Race Against Time
Liverpool are scheduled to host Manchester United on November 22, 2026, in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Premier League calendar.
The encounter will provide another major test for Iraola’s side, especially as both clubs will want to secure an important result in the league.
With approximately two weeks between the Crystal Palace match and the Manchester United showdown, Liverpool will hope that Szoboszlai’s knee problem is not serious.
However, the priority must be ensuring that the midfielder recovers properly rather than rushing him back into action.
The medical assessments during the international break will be particularly important in determining whether he can return in time.
For now, his availability remains uncertain rather than officially ruled out.
Who Could Replace Szoboszlai Against Manchester United?
If Szoboszlai fails to recover in time, Iraola may need to consider alternative midfield options.
One player who could receive additional opportunities is Trey Nyoni, who replaced the Hungarian against Crystal Palace.
The young midfielder has already demonstrated his ability to contribute when called upon, although replacing Szoboszlai’s experience and overall influence would represent a different challenge.
Liverpool could also adjust their midfield structure to distribute creative and defensive responsibilities among several players.
Possible considerations include:
- Giving Trey Nyoni more opportunities in central midfield.
- Adjusting the balance between defensive and attacking midfielders.
- Using alternative players to provide set-piece creativity.
- Maintaining midfield intensity without overloading individual players.
Ultimately, Iraola will have to wait for the medical results before deciding whether significant changes are necessary.
Liverpool Supporters Await Crucial Szoboszlai Injury Update
Dominik Szoboszlai’s knee problem has created an unwanted concern for Liverpool at an important stage of the season.
Although the midfielder’s substitution against Crystal Palace initially raised questions, there is still no confirmed indication that he will miss the Manchester United fixture.
The upcoming medical assessments should provide a better understanding of the situation and whether he needs additional recovery time.
For Liverpool, the objective is clear: avoid taking unnecessary risks while preparing for a crucial Premier League encounter.
All eyes will now be on Szoboszlai’s fitness over the coming days. His return could provide a major boost, but his availability against Manchester United will ultimately depend on the results of his medical examinations and subsequent recovery.
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