Milos Kerkez has departed the Hungary squad after picking up a suspension, while concerns over Dominik Szoboszlai’s fitness have been dismissed.
Kerkez was shown a second yellow card in three games during Friday’s 1-0 win over Georgia, earning him a one-match ban.
With the left-back ineligible for Monday night’s clash with Ukraine, he has been granted an early release from the Hungary squad.
It is a boost for Liverpool, despite being a blow for Hungary, as Milos Kerkez can now rest and resume preparations early ahead of the visit of Man City on October 11.
The same will not apply to Szoboszlai, who remains with Hungary and is expected to start as captain in Trnava in Monday’s 7.45pm kick-off.
Szoboszlai was the standout performer against Georgia, recording the most touches (89), shots (five) and chances created (eight) of any player. However, he was later substituted, with concerns raised over his fitness.
Speaking to reporters after the game, as reported by Nemzeti Sport, head coach Marco Rossi revealed that Szoboszlai was simply taken off due to cramp.
“He was cramping and very tired at the end,” Rossi explained. “He made huge sprints, I don’t know how fast he was, but he was very fast.”
Szoboszlai took up an unusual role for Hungary as a deeper-lying midfielder, similar to the role he plays for Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool.
The 25-year-old typically operates further forward as a No. 10 or out wide for his country, but Rossi praised his versatility, although he ruled out using him at right-back.
“We decided to play him as a No. 6 for the first time,” he continued. “By the way, Dominik is capable of playing excellently in practically every attacking midfield position.
“In fact, even as a right-back, although we won’t be involved in that.”
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