Dominik Szoboszlai Set for Liverpool Return Following Suspension
London, 14 February 2026 – Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to return to the first-team squad for the upcoming fixture against Brighton. The Hungarian captain has completed a one-match suspension following a controversial straight red card during the closing stages of Liverpool’s recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester City. Despite the dismissal, Szoboszlai’s performance in that match—highlighted by a sensational free-kick—has reinforced his status as one of the Premier League’s premier set-piece specialists.
Suspension and Return to Action
Szoboszlai was a notable absentee during Liverpool’s midweek trip to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The midfielder was forced to sit out the match after being sent off for a tactical foul in the 90th minute against Manchester City. Because the red card was deemed a tactical infraction rather than violent conduct, the suspension was limited to a single game. Manager Arne Slot, who has faced a growing injury list in the defensive and midfield sectors, will welcome the 25-year-old back as the club continues its pursuit of the Premier League title.
Free-Kick Mastery
Before his dismissal against City, Szoboszlai scored what has been described by pundits as a “work of art”—a right-footed free-kick into the bottom corner from distance. This strike has brought him to the cusp of matching the free-kick goal tally set by former Liverpool forward Luis Suárez. His ability from dead-ball situations has become a vital asset for the Reds this season, with the player also having scored a similar long-range effort against Arsenal earlier in the campaign.
Key Player Profile
Since his arrival at Anfield, Szoboszlai has established himself as a versatile engine in the midfield, even occasionally filling in at right-back during recent injury crises. Below are the verified professional details for the Liverpool number 8.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dominik Szoboszlai |
| Date of Birth | 25 October 2000 |
| Age | 25 Years |
| Nationality | Hungary (Captain) |
| Position | Midfielder (Attacking / Centre) |
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Liverpool FC |
| Contract Expiry | June 2028 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dominik Szoboszlai miss the match against Sunderland?
Szoboszlai was suspended for the Sunderland fixture after receiving a straight red card in the final minutes of the match against Manchester City on 8 February 2026. The suspension was for one match only.
Is Szoboszlai leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid?
While recent media reports have suggested that the player “dreams” of a future move to Real Madrid, he remains under a long-term contract at Anfield until 2028. There have been no official bids, and the player is currently in talks regarding his future terms at Liverpool.
What is Szoboszlai’s goal record this season?
As of February 2026, Szoboszlai has made 93 total appearances for Liverpool, scoring 13 goals. He is currently one of the leading goal-scorers from direct free-kicks in the Premier League.