Dániel Gazdag departs Hungary team with knee discomfort

Philadelphia Union midfielder Dániel Gazdag won’t get a chance to represent his country in the European Championship.

Gazdag has left the Hungary national team after picking up a knock in training in an injury he described as “discomfort” to Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin.

“It’s not a major injury at all but it’s one that comes at an unfortunate time for an incredible player who, you know, I really feel for,” Curtin said in a Zoom call with media on Wednesday afternoon. “He’s devastated that he didn’t get the opportunity to play in front of his home fans.”

The 25-year-old, who made his MLS debut as a substitute for the Union against DC United on May 23, was wearing a small brace on his left knee in training with the team on Monday. He didn’t dress for the match against Portugal, which Hungary lost 3-0 on Tuesday.

“I still think he’ll use it as motivation, he’s excited to get back with the Philadelphia Union, as he said to me, but it’s a hard time for him,” Curtin said. “We’ll get to the bottom of exactly what is bothering him in that knee.”