Arne Slot has delivered an update on Liverpool’s right-back situation as the Reds deal with the fallout from Dominik Szoboszlai’s suspension.

 

 

Arne Slot is dealing with an even bigger right-back headache after Dominik Szoboszlai’s red card in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

With Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez already sidelined, the Hungarian was once again asked to fill in at right-back against Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield — and it proved to be a dramatic night for him.

Szoboszlai put Liverpool ahead in the 74th minute with a stunning long-range free kick, but deep into stoppage time he was sent off after VAR judged he had denied Erling Haaland a clear goalscoring opportunity while trying to stop a potential Rayan Cherki effort from distance. Referee Craig Pawson then showed him a red card.

That dismissal means Szoboszlai will miss Liverpool’s midweek Premier League trip to Sunderland, and Slot doesn’t expect any of his natural right-back options to return in time due to the short turnaround.

Asked if Frimpong or Gomez could be available for Wednesday, Slot told Liverpoolfc.com:

“Jeremie, for sure not. We knew this when he got injured, that it was a few weeks. To be honest, I don’t expect Joe to be back as well, but you never know.

“He is back after being out for three weeks – would you play him then? You say no, but you don’t have to make the decision. I have to make the decision. Let’s see what decision we make.

“We have other players that can play that position as well. Dom again played a very good game in that position but unfortunately he is unavailable for Wednesday.”

Szoboszlai’s suspension has come at the worst possible moment for Liverpool. With only three days between matches, Slot could now be forced to use Curtis Jones at right-back again, or take a gamble on Calvin Ramsay — who has barely featured this season, with his only senior appearance coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

While Slot said he could accept the red card itself, the way the decision was reached frustrated Gary Neville on Sky Sports. The sending-off could end up hurting Liverpool more than conceding a third City goal, especially since the Reds lost 2-1 anyway.

Jones’ only start at right-back this season came in the 4-1 home loss to PSV Eindhoven in November, and he could face a difficult task trying to contain Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi on Wednesday.

Jones has done a valuable job filling in, but ideally Liverpool would prefer a natural defender in such a key position — meaning the hope remains that Gomez might still recover in time to feature at the Stadium of Light.