Republic of Ireland midfielder Sammie Szmodics has been released from hospital in Prague following a worrying head injury sustained during Thursday evening's World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Czechia.
The Football Association of Ireland confirmed the news on Friday morning, stating: "Sammie Szmodics was transferred to hospital yesterday having sustained a head injury during extra-time of the play-off against Czechia.
Following further tests and a period of observation, he has been safely discharged from hospital - and will continue his recovery under the care of the Republic of Ireland and Derby County medical teams."
The attacker was knocked unconscious after colliding with Czech defender Stepan Chaloupek at the Fortuna Arena.
Sammie Szmodics has been released from hospital in Prague following a worrying head injury
|REUTERS
The 30-year-old, currently on loan at Derby County from Ipswich Town, had been on the field for merely minutes when the collision occurred.
Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson had introduced Szmodics as a substitute during the 25th minute of extra-time, with the match poised for a penalty shootout.
"Sammie was unconscious on the ground, but we have good doctors and they took care of him on the grass," the Irish manager explained following the contest.
Medical personnel attended to the stricken player on the pitch for approximately five minutes before he was carried off on a stretcher and transported directly to a local hospital for further assessment.
Sammie Szmodics was knocked unconscious after the collision
|GETTY
Szmodics took to social media on Friday morning to reassure supporters about his condition and reflect on the disappointing result.
"Gutted the way it ended. Fans and boys immense all evening!!" he posted on X.
"Appreciate everyone's messages. And thank you to the medical staff who acted so quickly to help me. On the mend. We go again. COYBIG."
The message came shortly before the FAI announced his discharge from the Prague medical facility.
Hallgrimsson had indicated after the match that his player would remain in the Czech capital overnight for observation before hopefully returning to Dublin on Friday.
Gutted the way it ended. Fans and boys immense all evening !!
— Sam Szmodics (@SamSzmodics) March 27, 2026
Appreciate everyone’s messages. And thank you to the medical staff who acted so quickly to help me. On the mend 🍀💚🤍
We go again COYBIG
Hallgrimsson disclosed that Szmodics had been selected specifically with the shootout in mind, forming part of a prepared list of six penalty takers.
The collision proved particularly cruel timing, as Ireland ultimately succumbed 4-3 in the spot-kick contest after goalkeeper Matej Kovar saved efforts from both Finn Azaz and Alan Browne.
The Irish had appeared destined for victory, having established a commanding two-goal advantage before the hosts mounted a late fightback to force extra-time with a 2-2 scoreline.
Jan Kliment converted the decisive penalty to send Czechia through to face Denmark in Tuesday's play-off final, also to be held in Prague.