Hungary forward Barnabas Varga has been pictured publicly for the first time since suffering a severe injury during his team’s victory over Scotland. The 29-year-old Ferencvaros star was involved in a collision with goalkeeper Angus Gunn during the Group A match on Sunday, resulting in Varga being knocked unconscious and sustaining multiple fractures to his face.

After the incident, Varga was immediately stretchered off the field, with sheets held up to obscure the view of the stricken player as medics rushed to provide emergency treatment. He was then swiftly transported to a hospital in Stuttgart, Germany, where it was confirmed, he had undergone successful surgery.

Varga’s girlfriend, Laura Skrapits, shared an update on social media, expressing gratitude for the supportive messages and noting that her partner was recovering after the operation. The Hungary Football Federation also provided details, stating that members of the national team staff and players had visited Varga in the hospital to convey the well-wishes of the entire squad.

Ferencvaros doctor Gergely Panics elaborated on the extent of Varga’s injuries, revealing that he had suffered a concussion, skull fractures, and multiple broken and dislocated bones in his face. Panics indicated that Varga would be kept under observation for two days following the surgery, with the expectation of being released on Wednesday if all progressed as planned.

However, the incident sparked criticism from Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai, who expressed concern over the time it took for the medical team to reach Varga on the pitch. Szoboszlai believes Uefa should review its protocols to ensure players in similar situations receive immediate treatment, rather than the walking medics who responded to Varga’s injury. The Liverpool midfielder argued that in such cases, medical personnel should disregard any initial objections from officials and rush to the player’s aid, as “seconds can help a lot.”

Despite the lengthy delay caused by the medical response and Varga’s severe injury, Hungary went on to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Scotland in stoppage time, with the team celebrating by holding up and wearing a shirt with Varga’s name and number.