Sammie Szmodics gives update after being knocked out cold during Czechia v Ireland

The 30-year-old was taken to hospital after a heavy collision with tpn Chaloupek

09:00, 27 Mar 2026Updated 09:08, 27 Mar 2026

Sammie Szmodics says he is 'on the mend' after being knocked unconscious during Ireland's defeat to Czechia on Thursday night.

The 30-year-old was taken to hospital after a heavy collision with tpn Chaloupek, which happened just moments after he came on for Ireland towards the end of extra-time in Prague.

Szmodics thanked the medical staff as he gave an update on X on Friday morning.

The attacker wrote: "Gutted the way it ended. Fans and boys immense all evening !!

"Appreciate everyones messages. And thank you to the medical staff who acted so quickly to help me. On the mend. We go again. COYBIG."

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The FAI confirmed shortly after Szmodics' post that he has been discharged from hospital.

They said in a statement: "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 & Derby County medical teams."

Manager Heimir Hallgrmsson revealed after the match that Szmodics would stay in Prague overnight and hopefully fly back to Dublin on Friday.

He said: "The last thing we heard he was conscious so he was knocked out cold.

"At least he is conscious now and he will stay here tonight and fly home hopefully tomorrow."

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Ireland endured crushing penalty disappointment in Prague as Jan Kliment's successful spot-kick propelled the Czech Republic to within one match of World Cup qualification. The decisive play-off will see them take on Denmark in the Czech capital on Tuesday.

Coming off the bench, Kliment converted the crucial penalty at the Fortuna Arena following saves by Matej Kovar from both Finn Azaz and Alan Browne. The match had concluded 2-2 after extra-time, with the Czechs mounting a comeback after trailing by two goals.

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