Dominik Szoboszlai’s suspension has deepened Liverpool’s defensive concerns ahead of their Premier League clash with Sunderland. The Hungarian midfielder will miss the match at the Stadium of Light after receiving a red card in the dramatic 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield on .
The red card, issued in added time, stemmed from a complex series of events involving a disallowed goal for Manchester City. Rayan Cherki had seemingly scored from the halfway line with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker out of position, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review. The review determined that Erling Haaland had committed a foul on Szoboszlai prior to Cherki’s shot and that Szoboszlai had committed a holding offense denying a goalscoring opportunity. Referee Craig Pawson subsequently issued a direct red card to Szoboszlai.
Szoboszlai’s absence adds to an already lengthy injury list for Liverpool, particularly at right-back. Manager Arne Slot revealed that finding a replacement in that position was his biggest concern, with both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong currently sidelined with injuries. Slot is expected to deploy Endō Wataru, a defensive midfielder, at right-back against Sunderland.
This is the second Premier League match Szoboszlai will miss this season due to suspension. His versatility has been crucial for Liverpool this season, often being asked to play out of position to cover for injuries. Despite his preference for a central midfield role, he has willingly filled in at right-back, demonstrating his commitment to the team. Szoboszlai has been a key creative force for Liverpool, leading the team in assists with seven, and contributing nine goals – second only to Hugo Ekitike’s 15.
His set-piece ability has similarly been a significant asset, having scored four direct free-kick goals in the 2025-26 season, a feat not seen since Luis Suarez netted five in the 2012-13 campaign. Szoboszlai’s influence was evident in the match against Manchester City, where he opened the scoring with a stunning 30-yard free-kick that left Gianluigi Donnarumma stunned.
Despite his individual brilliance, Szoboszlai has often found himself let down by his teammates this season, as highlighted in recent analysis. The article notes that he has “repeatedly stepped up to the plate during this troubled campaign,” but has not always been supported by those around him.
Liverpool will face a Sunderland side that is currently enjoying an impressive run of form at home. Sunderland is the only team in the Premier League yet to lose a match at their home ground this season, with seven wins and five draws. However, Liverpool will be looking to break that streak, despite their recent struggles away from Anfield, having failed to win any of their last three Premier League away games.
The starting lineup for Liverpool against Sunderland, confirmed shortly before kickoff, features Alisson Becker in goal, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté in central defense alongside Andy Robertson and Endō Wataru at right-back. The midfield will consist of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Florian Wirtz, while the attack will be led by Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Hugo Ekitiké. Notably, Kerkez Milos was not included in the starting eleven.
The match represents a crucial opportunity for Liverpool to regain momentum and climb the Premier League table. While Szoboszlai’s absence is a significant blow, Slot will be hoping that his team can overcome this setback and secure a positive result against a tough Sunderland side.
