Arne Slot is facing a growing defensive dilemma as Liverpool’s problems at right-back continue to pile up, made worse by Dominik Szoboszlai’s costly red card against Manchester City.

With Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez all unavailable due to injury, Slot once again turned to Szoboszlai in an unfamiliar defensive role during Sunday’s clash at Anfield. What followed was a dramatic evening that summed up Liverpool’s current frustrations.

The Hungarian midfielder looked like a hero when he broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with a stunning free-kick from distance. However, deep into added time, his desperate attempt to stop a speculative strike from Rayan Cherki triggered a VAR review. Officials ruled that Szoboszlai had denied Erling Haaland a clear scoring chance, leading referee Craig Pawson to brandish a red card.

Slot left short of options at right-back

Szoboszlai’s dismissal means he will miss Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland, and with the turnaround between matches so tight, Slot is not optimistic about reinforcements arriving in time.

Speaking via liverpoolfc.com, the Liverpool head coach ruled out Jeremie Frimpong and cast doubt over Joe Gomez’s availability.

“Jeremie definitely won’t be ready,” Slot explained. “We knew from the start that his injury would keep him out for several weeks. With Joe, I don’t expect him to return either, although you never know.

“He’s only just come back after three weeks out. Would you normally throw him straight in? Probably not, but it’s my decision to make. We’ll see.”

Slot also pointed out that alternative solutions exist, adding: “We do have other players who can play there. Dom did a very good job again, but unfortunately he’s not available for Wednesday.”

A difficult call ahead of Sunderland clash

The timing of Szoboszlai’s suspension could hardly be worse for Liverpool. With more recovery time, Gomez may have been able to step in, but the three-day gap between matches leaves Slot with limited choices.

Curtis Jones could once again be asked to deputise at right-back, while Calvin Ramsay is another natural option, despite barely featuring this season. Ramsay’s only senior appearance came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

Although Slot suggested he could “accept” the red card decision itself, the VAR process behind it sparked criticism from Gary Neville on Sky Sports and may end up hurting Liverpool more than conceding a late third goal in the 2–1 loss.

Jones’ only start at right-back this season came during November’s heavy 4–1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven, and a potential matchup against Chemsdine Talbi on Wednesday would present another demanding test.

There is no criticism of Jones’ commitment or defensive effort, but Liverpool would understandably prefer a specialist defender in such a vital role — leaving faint hope that Gomez could yet be declared fit in time for the trip to the Stadium of Light.