Dominik Szoboszlai has questioned his participation in Liverpool’s next match against Bournemouth, although the midfielder said that “it is possible” that he could play.
Szoboszlai has been sidelined since the 4-2 win over Newcastle on January 1, after suffering a hamstring injury shortly before being substituted.
The Hungary captain has therefore missed the last two matches, with Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister starting alongside Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch against Arsenal and Fulham respectively.
Although Liverpool have fared well in his absence, with Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah absent on international duty, coupled with a growing injury situation, Szoboszlai’s return is highly anticipated.
Speaking to Nemzeti Sport after receiving the Hungarian Athlete of the Year award earlier this week, the 23-year-old gave an update on his fitness.
“I’m still running without the ball, but soon I will be able to try to train carefully with the ball. I’m getting better,” she explained.
Asked if he would be fit to travel to Bournemouth on January 21, he replied: “Yes, it’s possible, but we don’t want to rush anything.
“I would prefer to miss one more game, if necessary, so as not to get injured due to the previous stress and to be able to play continuously.”
As expected, both player and club will take precautions when it comes to Szoboszlai’s return, but the hope will be that he is fit to play at Dean Court.
While Jurgen Klopp still has several options to rotate in midfield and attack, the number 8 was scheduled to replace Salah during his time at the African Cup of Nations.
Harvey Elliott has proven to be a mismatched right winger over the last two games, with the youngster seemingly best used in midfield, while Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have moved there in the game.
“If the question is whether I will play on the wing, my answer is that it is not out of the question and I play where I am needed,” Szoboszlai said.
“We have not yet talked about how my task could change in the absence of Mohamed Salah and for now the important thing is that I can play as soon as possible.”
