Arne Slot is dealing with a growing crisis at right-back after Dominik Szoboszlai’s red card in Liverpool’s loss to Manchester City on Sunday.
With Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez all sidelined by injuries, the Hungarian midfielder was once again drafted into defence for the clash with Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield—and his performance was anything but quiet.
The 25-year-old had given Liverpool the lead in the 74th minute with a sensational long-range free kick. However, deep into stoppage time, he was sent off after VAR judged that his challenge denied Erling Haaland a clear goalscoring opportunity, prompting referee Craig Pawson to show a red card.
As a result, Szoboszlai will miss Liverpool’s midweek Premier League trip to Sunderland through suspension. With such a short turnaround, Slot does not expect any of his natural right-back options to be fit in time for the game at the Stadium of Light.
Speaking ahead of the match, Slot confirmed that Frimpong would definitely not be available and cast doubt over Gomez’s return, admitting that the decision would be difficult given the defender’s recent absence. While he noted that other players could fill the role, he also acknowledged that Szoboszlai had performed well at right-back before his dismissal.
The timing of the suspension could hardly be worse for Liverpool. With only three days between matches, Slot may be forced to choose between using another midfielder, Curtis Jones, or handing an opportunity to Calvin Ramsay, who has seen very limited first-team action this season.
Although Slot suggested he could accept the red card decision, the VAR process sparked criticism from Gary Neville and may ultimately prove more damaging to Liverpool than conceding another goal, given they still lost the match 2–1.
Jones’ only start at right-back this season came in a heavy defeat to PSV Eindhoven, highlighting the challenge he could face against Sunderland’s Chemsdine Talbi. While his versatility is valued, Liverpool would ideally prefer a natural defender in such a key position, leaving hope that Gomez might still recover in time for Wednesday’s fixture
