Milos Kerkez leaves Hungary camp early ahead of Ukraine clash
Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has returned to his club early after being released from the Hungary national-team camp.
The Hungarian Football Federation confirmed that Kerkez left the squad before Hungary’s final match of the international break against Ukraine. The reason is suspension, not injury.
Kerkez played the full match as Hungary defeated Georgia 1–0 in the Nations League. He scored the decisive goal — his first goal for the Hungary senior national team — but also received a yellow card during the game. It was his second booking in the competition, meaning he automatically has to miss Hungary’s next fixture.
Because he is unavailable for Monday’s meeting with Ukraine, Hungary allowed the Liverpool left-back to leave the training camp early rather than remain with the squad for a match in which he cannot participate.
What this means for Liverpool
The early release is positive news for Liverpool because Kerkez can now get additional rest and begin preparing for the club’s next important Premier League fixture.
Liverpool are scheduled to face Manchester City on October 11, and Kerkez is expected to be involved. He has been an important part of Andoni Iraola’s team, starting four of Liverpool’s first five league matches.
His return also gives Liverpool extra time to monitor his fitness and prepare him for the Manchester City game, rather than having him play another international match just days before returning to club football.
No injury concern for Kerkez
Importantly, there is no indication that Kerkez left Hungary duty because of an injury. His departure is purely the result of the suspension he picked up after receiving his second yellow card.
The situation is particularly helpful for Liverpool given that the club already has players dealing with injury concerns. Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo have both picked up issues during the international break and have returned to Liverpool for assessment.
Meanwhile, Szoboszlai remains with Hungary
Kerkez’s Hungary and Liverpool teammate Dominik Szoboszlai will remain with the national team for the Ukraine match.
There had been some concern after Szoboszlai was substituted during the victory over Georgia, but Hungary manager Marco Rossi explained that the midfielder was suffering from cramp and fatigue, rather than a serious injury. Szoboszlai is expected to captain Hungary against Ukraine.
Bottom line: Kerkez’s early return is actually good news for Liverpool. He is not injured; he was released because his second yellow card means he is suspended for Hungary’s next match. He can therefore rest and return to Liverpool preparations earlier ahead of the Manchester City clash.
