Joe Gomez has returned to training and could start at Sunderland, potentially stabilising Liverpool’s fragile right side. With Szoboszlai suspended and several right-backs injured, punters might favour backing Liverpool to win or to keep a clean sheet; consider Liverpool -1 or under 2.5 goals if Gomez is confirmed in the XI, but monitor the team news before staking.
Gomez back in training as Liverpool head to Sunderland
Arne Slot has hinted that Joe Gomez could return to the Liverpool squad for Wednesday’s crucial Premier League trip to Sunderland. Gomez will rejoin training before the fixture and has an outside chance of starting, offering a potential solution to Liverpool’s right-back crisis ahead of a must-win match to stay in touch with Champions League places.
Right-back crisis: injuries and suspension bite
Liverpool remain without Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley through injury, while Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended after a late red card in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City. Slot acknowledged the club has used multiple options at right-back this season, including midfielders drafted into the role, and stressed the squad has had six different players occupy the right full-back slot.
Calvin Ramsay ruled out of starting role
Despite suggestions that Calvin Ramsay could fill the gap, Slot made clear he will not hand the 22-year-old a Premier League start at the Stadium of Light. Ramsay has one senior start this season in the League Cup but has yet to feature in the league since his move from Aberdeen.
Other absences and transfer injury concerns
The squad news is compounded by longer-term absences elsewhere: Alexander Isak remains sidelined with a broken leg, and Giovanni Leoni is out for the season recovering from ACL surgery. New centre-back signing Jeremy Jacquet—set to arrive in the summer in a reported £60m deal—faces a lengthy layoff after sustaining a shoulder issue while playing for Rennes, with reports suggesting he may require surgery.
Tactical implications for Slot
Slot has experimented with makeshift solutions at right-back, including deploying Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo in the role. The manager admitted the run of late concessions is worrying and questioned whether the issues are down to misfortune or structural problems that must be addressed over the next few months.
Betting and match-day considerations
Gomez’s presence would likely strengthen Liverpool’s defensive stability and reduce the likelihood of late goals conceded, a key issue this season. Bettors should wait for the confirmed team sheet: if Gomez starts, markets may shift toward Liverpool to win or to keep a clean sheet, while uncertainty around the backline keeps goals markets and handicaps attractive value for those expecting defensive fragility.
Liverpool open talks over Italy international midfielder deal
Joe Gomez could return to the Liverpool squad for Wednesday's important Premier League match at Sunderland but even if he doesn't, one player won't start at right-back
Liverpool Echo
