Liverpool XI vs Sunderland: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

Reds searching for solutions with Dominik Szoboszlai suspended

Arne Slot is searching for yet another stand-in right-back after Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off late in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat by Manchester City.

It was an evening of mixed fortunes for the Hungarian, who opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick before being dismissed in the 113th minute for a foul on Erling Haaland. He will now serve a one-match suspension, effective for Wednesday’s visit to Sunderland.

Slot has suggested that Gomez could be passed fit for the trip to Wearside, saying “you never know” when asked if he could be involved. He then added that he would be wary of starting the Englishman, regardless of whether he is fit to make the squad.

“He is back from being out for three weeks, would you play him now?,” he asked. “I have to make that decision. Let’s see what decision we make. We have other players that can play that position as well.”

He is back at the drawing board for another defensive reshuffle, his right-back options including Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson and Wataru Endo.

Dismissed: Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended for Liverpool’s Premier League match against Sunderland

AFP via Getty Images

Jones will likely get the nod there, with Robertson preferring the left side and Endo a natural midfielder. In fact, Robertson could take up the left-back position in place of Milos Kerkez, who is due a rest.

Even with injuries leaving Slot shorthanded, Jones has only played a bit-part role in recent weeks, coming off the bench in each of Liverpool’s last three Premier League matches.

There is not much scope to change the rest of the back-four, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate expected to reprise their roles.

The same is true in the holding midfield roles. Ryan Gravenberch started alongside Alexis Mac Allister on Sunday, but with Jones dropping into defence and Slot unlikely to trust Endo in front of a hostile crowd at the Stadium of Light, both should hold onto their places.

Given Liverpool will have barely 48 hours off between the City and Sunderland matches, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha will fancy their chances of a call-up.

Given Ngumoha is yet to start a Premier League match this season, though, he will likely remain on the bench. Chiesa stands a better chance of replacing one of the front-four, and could give Cody Gakpo or the in-form Florian Wirtz a rare rest.

Alexander Isak remains sidelined with a broken leg, meaning Hugo Ekitike should continue at striker.

Liverpool predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Chiesa, Wirtz; Ekitike

Injured: Frimpong, Bradley, Isak, Leoni

Doubt: Gomez

Suspended: Szoboszlai

Time and date: 8:15pm GMT on Wednesday February 11, 2026

How to watch: TNT Sports

Venue: Stadium of Light