Liverpool’s recent campaign has been defined by inconsistency, and the Reds’ 3-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday was less a statement of intent than a desperate bid to halt the rot. Manager Andoni Iraola made no secret of the team’s precarious position, framing the win as a necessary reprieve after a week that saw them collapse in back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Fenerbahçe. Yet beneath the surface of that hard-fought victory lurked another, more troubling concern: Dominik Szoboszlai’s knee, which forced his early exit from the match and reignited fears of another midfield collapse ahead of the international break.
Szoboszlai’s injury is the latest in a troubling pattern. The Hungarian midfielder had already battled a lingering hamstring issue, only to be sidelined again by a knee concern during his first league start since recovering from that problem. Iraola described the situation with characteristic bluntness: ‘The last thing we need now is to lose players in the international games.’ His words carry weight after the last break, when Liverpool lost three of their most pivotal players—Alexis Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Szoboszlai himself—to injuries, a blow that left the squad dangerously exposed. The manager’s plea for stability is not just rhetorical; it’s a direct acknowledgment of how fragile Liverpool’s current form has become.
The timing of Szoboszlai’s injury is particularly problematic. With the international window looming, Liverpool must navigate a grueling schedule that includes a Champions League clash against Manchester United on November 22—a fixture that could determine their fate in Europe. The midfield, already stretched thin by the absence of players like Gakpo and Szoboszlai, now faces the prospect of further disruption. Iraola’s reliance on Szoboszlai’s experience and leadership in the center of the park means his availability is not just a tactical concern but a strategic one. If the knee issue persists, it could force Liverpool into untested formations, potentially leaving gaps in their midfield that opponents will exploit.
What makes this situation even more delicate is the context of Liverpool’s recent performances. The win over Crystal Palace was hard-won, with goals from Mac Allister, Wirtz, and Isak providing the necessary momentum. Yet the underlying defensive fragility—exposed by the early losses to Arsenal and Fenerbahçe—remains a concern. Szoboszlai’s role in Liverpool’s build-up play is critical; his absence, even temporarily, could disrupt the rhythm the team has struggled to regain. The manager’s hope that this international break will be ‘better’ than the last is a gamble, one that hinges on Szoboszlai’s fitness and the resilience of the squad’s remaining stars.
For now, Liverpool’s focus must remain on managing the immediate crisis. The next few weeks will determine whether the Reds can weather the storm of injuries and international commitments—or if this latest setback will push them further toward the brink. One thing is certain: the pressure on Iraola to deliver results without his key players is mounting, and the window to act is narrowing.
