The upcoming match between Sunderland and Liverpool at the Stadium of Light is generating interest as both teams aim to recover from their recent losses. Sunderland fell 3-0 to Arsenal, while Liverpool lost to Manchester City due to a late penalty.
Sunderland vs Liverpool: Team and Injury Updates, Predicted Lineups
Sunderland Update
Captain Granit Xhaka will miss the game due to an ankle injury. Bertrand Traore is also sidelined due to an injury he picked up while on international duty at AFCON.
Head coach Regis Le Bris provided information on the injured players, saying, “Bertrand is in a similar situation as Granit. His recovery is symptom-driven; he needs some rest for his knee. We can’t rush this process.”
Le Bris also confirmed that new signing Nilson Angulo is fit and has trained with the squad. He played briefly against Arsenal but is expected to have a larger role against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Another January recruit, Jocelin Ta Bi, has returned to full training after an ankle injury but will not participate in this match.
Liverpool Update
Arne Slot will be without the suspended Dominik Szoboszlai, who received a red card against Manchester City. The team is also facing a lengthening injury list.
Players missing include Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, Jayden Danns, Conor Bradley, and Stefan Bajcetic. Defender Joe Gomez is a significant concern and could complicate Slot’s lineup decisions for the right-back position. He mentioned on Tuesday, “Joe has not yet trained with us. I expect him to join us soon.”
If Gomez isn’t ready to play, the team will be missing four players who can fill that position. However, Curtis Jones and Wata Endo have also played there this season, meaning they’ve used multiple right-backs this year.
Sunderland Predicted Lineup
Roefs
Mukiele
Ballard
Alderete
Reinildo
Hume
Sadiki
Diarra
Le Fee
Talbi
Brobbey
Subs: Ellborg, O’Nien, Cirkin, Geertruida, Isidor, Mayenda, Rigg, Mundle, Angulo
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
Alisson
Jones
Konate
Van Dijk
Robertson
Gravenberch
Mac Allister
Salah
Wirtz
Gakpo
Ekitike