Liverpool left scrambling for right-back solution as Arne Slot issues injury latest

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Decisions, decisions: Arne SlotGetty ImagesOli Gent2 minutes ago COMMENTSLiverpool are searching for yet another makeshift solution at right-back after Dominik Szoboszlai was shown a red card in the 2-1 defeat by Manchester City.

The Hungarian was given his marching orders after he was adjudged to have denied Erling Haaland a clear goalscoring opportunity, with the pair haring after Rayan Cherki’s goalbound pea-roller.

The ball ended up in the net, but was chalked off for a foul on Szbosozlai by Haaland, and the referee controversially sent off Liverpool’s right-back for his part in the tussle.

Szoboszlai will miss just one match - as per Premier League rules - which state that denial of a goalscoring opportunity warrants just a single-match suspension.

That means that he will not be available for the trip to Sunderland in midweek, with Liverpool looking to bounce back after their Champions League hopes were dented.

Szoboszlai’s absence, combined with the injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, leave Slot short-changed at right full-back.

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"Jeremie for sure [will not play against Sunderland],” Slot replied when asked about his right-back situation.

“We knew that when he got injured, it was a few weeks.”

Frimpong, who has struggled with persistent injuries since his summer arrival at Anfield, hobbled off in the 6-0 win over Qarabag in the Champions League.

Bradley was ruled out for the season with a knee ligament injury that he suffered in the goalless draw at Arsenal in January.

Joe Gomez is also unlikely to make the trip to the Stadium of Light, with the versatile defender, who has deputised at right-back previously, nursing a hip injury that he sustained in the defeat at Bournemouth.

"To be honest, I don’t expect Joe back for Wednesday, but you never know,” Slot continued.

“Then he is back from being out for three weeks, would you play him now?

"I have to make that decision. Let’s see what decision we make. We have other players that can play that position as well.

“Dom played very well in that position again, but unfortunately, he is unavailable for Wednesday."

Curtis Jones, a natural midfielder, has filled in in that position before, and could be given the nod, with Slot’s full-back options particularly thin on the ground as they look to regain their footing in the race for the top five.

Sunday’s defeat leaves them five points off fourth-placed Manchester United and four off fifth-placed Chelsea.

Liverpool left scrambling for right-back solution as Arne Slot issues injury latest

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