Arne Slot reacts to major Liverpool suspension blow for Sunderland clash | OneFootball

Liverpool face a major setback for Wednesday’s trip to Sunderland after Dominik Szoboszlai’s late dismissal against Manchester City.

His second-half free-kick put Liverpool ahead, before Bernardo Silva equalised and Erling Haaland converted a stoppage-time penalty. According to Sunderland Echo, his suspension likely leaves Arne Slot without a senior right back, with the midfielder deputising for Jeremie Frimpong.

Rayan Cherki then finished into an empty net with Alisson advanced, but VAR found Szoboszlai had held Haaland as he chased the break, and the striker then pulled his shirt. The goal was overturned and the final whistle followed soon after.

Slot accepted the dismissal because the referee followed the rules, but argued Marc Guehi should also have been sent off for a shirt pull on Mo Salah earlier. He said neutrals might prefer the goal, yet a Sunderland manager would rather see the red and the rules applied.

Slot said Jeremie Frimpong will not return on Wednesday and he does not expect Joe Gomez to be ready, though he did not rule him out. Gomez has been out for three weeks and the manager must decide on his involvement. Potential cover includes Calvin Ramsay, or midfielders Wataru Endo or Curtis Jones.

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris said Granit Xhaka will again be missing on Wednesday, while he hopes Noah Sadiki will be available after recent discomfort. Bertrand Traoré remains out with a knee injury.

Source: Sunderland Echo