Dominik Szoboszlai says being injured is the “worst thing” but believes he is closing in on playing 90 minutes for a Liverpool side who he feels can win a quadruple this season.
Hungary captain Szoboszlai arrived from RB Leipzig for £60 million in July and was almost ever-present until January 7 as part of a new-look Reds midfield featuring the likes of Argentina World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, Netherlands international Ryan Gravenberch and Japan’s Wataru Endo.
The 23-year-old has been among a lengthy list of absentees for manager Jurgen Klopp since then, missing 10 games with a hamstring injury which he is continuing to return from with the help of an increasing number of minutes in action, including 61 in the 1-1 draw at home to fellow title challengers Manchester City on Sunday.
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“I’m back,” Szoboszlai said when he was asked for an update on his condition before Liverpool’s Uefa Europa League second leg at home to Sparta Praha on Thursday, when they will start with a 5-1 advantage.
“It’s the worst thing that can happen to you to be injured, to not be allowed to help the team even if you want to.”
Szoboszlai injury update: ‘I’m on it’
Szoboszlai admitted his eagerness to return had made it “hard to understand” his limited time on the pitch.
“But we have to accept it because our body is the main thing we use in the game and we have to take care of it,” he acknowledged. “I’m on it.”
Last time out in the #UEL 💪 PIC.TWITTER.COM/FTHHHTYEXC
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In Klopp’s final campaign in charge, Liverpool have won the Carabao Cup, are almost certain to reach the Europa League quarter-finals, visit Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday and are level on points with top-flight leaders Arsenal.
They are one point above reigning champions City with 10 games remaining for each of the top three.
“It’s a good feeling,” he said, adding that the players are “not thinking” about Klopp’s departure after nine years at Anfield.
“We’ve already won one and have three left. Personally, I want to win all four. We have a good chance but if you asked the City or Arsenal players, they would say they have a good chance.
“We have to work for it – it’s not jumping out of the air and into your hands. We are a team and ready to fight for each other. We’ve shown that we can reach almost everything.”
