Liverpool are holding their breath as Dominik Szoboszlai races against time in a bid to be declared fit for Saturday’s high-stakes Premier League clash away at Tottenham Hotspur. What initially looked like a worrying setback for one of Arne Slot’s most influential players has now turned into a tense waiting game, with optimism cautiously growing inside the club’s medical department.

The Hungarian midfielder was forced to limp off in the dying moments of Liverpool’s 2–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, clutching his ankle after a heavy challenge. The sight immediately sparked concern among supporters and coaching staff alike, especially given Szoboszlai’s immense importance to Liverpool’s early-season momentum. Having been virtually ever-present, his premature exit felt like a potential turning point.

Thankfully for Liverpool, subsequent scans brought a sense of relief. Initial fears of a long-term absence were eased after medical checks confirmed that the injury was not as serious as first imagined. Since then, Szoboszlai has responded positively to treatment, showing encouraging signs during recovery sessions in recent days. However, despite the progress, the club remains unwilling to rush a decision.

Liverpool’s medical and coaching teams are monitoring the 25-year-old closely, with a final call on his availability set to be made on Friday. The priority is clear: balance the urgency of a crucial away fixture against the long-term welfare of a player who has been nothing short of outstanding so far this season. Should there be even the slightest doubt, Liverpool are prepared to hold him back, confident that he would be fully ready for the home encounter against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 27.

Szoboszlai’s potential absence would be keenly felt. Prior to the Brighton match, he had played every single minute of Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League campaigns under Slot, underlining not only his durability but also his growing status as the heartbeat of the midfield. His energy, creativity, and leadership have made him indispensable, and losing him—even temporarily—would be a significant blow.

Adding another layer of tension to the situation is Szoboszlai’s disciplinary record. In recent weeks, he has been walking a fine line, sitting just one yellow card away from an automatic one-match suspension. The midfielder must navigate the next three league fixtures without picking up a fifth booking, after which the suspension threshold increases. It is yet another factor Liverpool must weigh when deciding whether to deploy him against Spurs.

While Szoboszlai’s situation dominates the headlines, Liverpool are also juggling concerns elsewhere in the squad. Defender Joe Gomez is expected to miss the Tottenham trip after sustaining a hamstring injury in the first half against Brighton. Although the problem has been deemed minor, Liverpool are determined to take a cautious approach, especially given Gomez’s history with muscle injuries. The relief inside the camp is that the damage is not severe, but patience will be key.

In Gomez’s absence, Conor Bradley is set to step in at right-back. The Northern Irishman is available again after serving a one-match suspension and is expected to bring fresh energy and defensive solidity to the role. Liverpool’s options on the right side are also set for a timely boost, with Jeremie Frimpong edging closer to a return.

Frimpong, who has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury against Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22, is nearing the end of his rehabilitation. The Dutch international has recently resumed outdoor training at Liverpool’s Kirkby base and has even taken part in selected drills alongside the squad. All signs point toward him receiving the green light for full team training imminently, providing much-needed depth—particularly with Mohamed Salah currently away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Wednesday offers the players a brief respite, with a scheduled day off, but preparations will intensify when the squad reconvenes at Kirkby on Thursday. From that point on, all eyes will be on Szoboszlai—his fitness, his response, and whether Liverpool’s midfield general will be cleared to take part in what promises to be a demanding encounter in North London.

As the countdown continues, Liverpool find themselves caught between hope and caution. Whether Szoboszlai makes the trip to Tottenham or not, his situation perfectly encapsulates the fine margins of an unforgiving season—where every decision, every risk, and every recovery could shape the outcome of the campaign.