Arne Slot faces a difficult Calvin Ramsay decision as Liverpool travels to Sunderland in the Premier League on Wednesday, with an injury and suspension crisis limiting his options
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Writer
12:58, 10 Feb 2026
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is facing some tough decisions
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is facing some tough decisions(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool's bid for a third consecutive home victory fell short on Sunday as the Reds surrendered a late advantage to lose 2-1 to Manchester City.
Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a stunning long-range free-kick, but Bernardo Silva equalized before Erling Haaland netted a stoppage-time winner from the spot. The result leaves Liverpool five points behind Manchester United in fourth and four points adrift of Chelsea in fifth. Both teams have won four consecutive league games under new managers (Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Liam Rosenior at Chelsea).
Arne Slot's men will now look to narrow the gap on the top five in the Premier League when they make the trip to Sunderland on Wednesday. Here, Liverpool.com examines the alterations Reds boss Slot might implement when his squad takes to the field next.
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Is Jones fit enough?
With no players anticipated to return and Szoboszlai added to the absentee list through suspension, Slot has limited scope for rotation in the second of three fixtures within seven days.
Alisson Becker remains the undisputed first choice in goal, with Giorgi Mamardashvili expected to feature in Saturday's FA Cup clash against Brighton. Freddie Woodman serves as the third-choice goalkeeper.
Slot has suggested Joe Gomez won't recover in time, meaning Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk look set to start once more at center-back. Giovanni Leoni is sidelined for the remainder of the season, youngster Wellity Lucky is nursing a hamstring problem, leaving Wataru Endo as the sole viable option.
Calvin Ramsay is hoping for his Liverpool chance
Calvin Ramsay is hoping for his Liverpool chance(Image: Getty Images)
Endo, a midfielder by trade, may be required to fill in at right-back, with Gomez likely to remain sidelined along with Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Szoboszlai. Calvin Ramsay, yet to make his Premier League debut, could be on standby, although Curtis Jones seems a more probable choice.
Milos Kerkez put in a commendable performance against City, which might mean Andy Robertson has to bide his time until the weekend to reclaim his spot at left-back.
Slot's midfield puzzle
With Szoboszlai absent and the potential of Endo and Jones being deployed in defence, Slot's senior midfield options are limited.
Either could be considered for the defensive midfield role if Slot decides to shake up the usual duo of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Jones is another contender for the No. 10 position, although Florian Wirtz seems to have secured that role for now.
Trey Nyoni has only had a few minutes of Premier League action, while Stefan Bajcetic doesn't seem any closer to returning from a long-term hamstring problem.
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Chiesa on standby
The attacking line-up has remained consistent over the past few matches, and it's likely this will continue at the Stadium of Light. Cody Gakpo has been playing on the left, Hugo Ekitike through the center, and Mohamed Salah on the right.
Federico Chiesa provides an alternative across the front line, while Gakpo could potentially move centrally should Ekitike be given a rest.
Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old winger, is yet to make his full Premier League debut, while Academy forward Jayden Danns remains sidelined.