Liverpool predicted XI vs. Sunderland: One change as Slot faces right-back dilemma

Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Wednesday evening as they face a challenging trip to the Stadium of Light to take on an impressive Sunderland side – but the opposition aren’t Arne Slot’s only problem this week, with injury issues giving the Dutchman a major headache.

Slot has already described this season as his “toughest” as a manager, and it hasn’t been made any easier by a crisis at right-back – Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez all have injury issues ahead of Wednesday’s game, while Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended following his bizarre VAR-induced dismissal against Manchester City on Sunday.

With kick-off fast approaching, we’ve collected all of the latest team news and injury updates below, along with our prediction for Slot’s eventual starting line-up.

Joe Gomez latest as Arne Slot handles right-back situation

With Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) out for up to two more weeks, Conor Bradley (knee) shut down for the rest of the season and regular stand-in Dominik Szoboszlai suspended for one match after being sent off for his last-man foul on Erling Haaland over the weekend, Liverpool have a major headache at right-back – and it’s doubtful that Joe Gomez will be able to fill the void.

A groin problem has sidelined the injury-prone defender for the past fortnight and he was only able to return to training on Tuesday, with a late fitness test expected to determine whether he will be able to start at full-back or not.

“I'm expecting [Gomez] to train with us for the first time today [Tuesday],” Slot told the media during his pre-match press conference yesterday. “Indeed, if Joe is not ready to start then we are missing four players who have played in that position. But Curtis [Jones] and Wata [Endo] also played in that position this year.”

Slot’s comments appear to suggest that Gomez will play at right-back if he is fit enough to do so, with Curtis Jones likely the next man up at the problem position should Gomez be unfit.

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Alexander Isak out as Liverpool look at rotation options

The only other players set to be unavailable for Wednesday's match against Sunderland are striker Alexander Isak, who is expected to be out for at least another month with a calf injury, and centre-back Giovani Leoni, who is unlikely to feature this season after rupturing his ACL.

With six players out or doubts, there is likely to be some consideration regarding the idea of rotating players where possible, with Liverpool’s depth set to be tested with an FA Cup fourth round tie with Brighton also looming on the horizon.

With Jones potentially operating at right-back and Endo firmly down the pecking order under Slot, however, the midfield is likely to remain the same, while Federico Chiesa and young winger Rio Nguomha are perhaps more likely to get starting minutes against the Seagulls this weekend – as such, we expect few surprises in Slot’s line-up, with the Premier League apparently still a key priority based on recent selection decisions.

Liverpool predicted line-up vs. Sunderland: Alisson; Kerkez, Van Dijk, Konaté, Jones; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Wirtz, Salah; Ekitiké.