According to the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ), the Hungary national football team faces significant roster challenges ahead of their UEFA Nations League B opener against Ukraine, with head coach Marco Rossi forced into multiple late squad changes due to injuries. The opening fixture is scheduled for Friday, September 25, at 20:45, leaving the coaching staff with limited time to rebuild the attacking line.
Squad Adjustments Following Barnabás Varga Injury
The selection troubles began when striker Barnabás Varga sustained an injury during a cup match for AEK Athens, according to team reports. Medical estimates indicate Varga will miss three to four weeks of action. In response, head coach Marco Rossi called up Netherlands-based forward Donát Bárány to fill the vacancy in the 26-man squad.
Additional Absences: Roland Sallai and Callum Styles Ruled Out
Sallai featured for Galatasaray over the weekend in a 4–0 defeat away to Trabzonspor, where he was substituted in the 73rd minute. Styles played the full match for West Bromwich Albion in a 1st Division fixture on Sunday, which ended in a 1–0 loss against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
https://x.com/MLSZhivatalos/status/2101967233148760092
To cover these absences, Marco Rossi called up Zsolt Nagy from Puskás Akadémia and Milán Tóth from Vasas. These late adjustments leave the exact tactical formation and starting frontline for the Ukraine encounter uncertain.
Updated Hungary 26-Man Squad
The finalized roster for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches includes the following players, according to the official MLSZ announcement:
- Goalkeepers: Bence Gundel-Takács (ZTE FC), Ármin Pécsi (Hartberg), Balázs Tóth (Blackburn Rovers)
- Defenders: Bendegúz Bolla (Rapid Wien), Márk Csinger (FC Groningen), Áron Doktorics (Vasas FC), Milos Kerkez (Liverpool FC), Ákos Markgráf (FC Köbenhavn), Willi Orbán (RB Leipzig), Attila Osváth (Ferencvárosi TC), Kornél Szűcs (FK Vojvodina), Bence Várkonyi (Qarabag FK), Zsolt Nagy (Puskás Akadémia)
- Midfielders: Áron Csongvai (Saint-Étienne), András Schäfer (Union Berlin), Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool FC), Tamás Szűcs (FC Famalicao), Alex Tóth (AFC Bournemouth), Rajmund Tóth (Konyaspor), Milán Vitális (AEK)
- Forwards: Gábor Jurek (MTK Budapest), Dániel Lukács (Puskás Akadémia FC), Damir Redzic (RB Salzburg), József Szalai (Paksi FC), Donát Bárány (ADO Den Haag), Milán Tóth (Vasas)
Pro Tip
Monitor official MLSZ matchday announcements up until kickoff to stay informed on tactical adjustments resulting from late fitness tests.
UEFA Nations League B Fixture Schedule
Hungary’s autumn campaign in Division B features the following matches, according to the tournament calendar:
- September 25, Friday, 20:45: Hungary vs. Ukraine
- September 28, Monday, 20:45: Northern Ireland vs. Hungary
- October 2, Friday, 20:45: Hungary vs. Georgia
- October 5, Monday, 20:45: Ukraine vs. Hungary
- November 14, Saturday, 18:00: Georgia vs. Hungary
- November 17, Tuesday, 20:45: Hungary vs. Northern Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Hungary play Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League?
The match takes place on Friday, September 25, at 20:45, according to the official schedule.
Why was Barnabás Varga omitted from the squad?
Barnabás Varga was ruled out for three to four weeks due to an injury sustained during an AEK Athens cup match.
Who replaced Roland Sallai and Callum Styles?
Marco Rossi called up Zsolt Nagy from Puskás Akadémia and Milán Tóth from Vasas as replacements for the injured Sallai and Styles.
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