Liverpool Faces Sunderland with Multiple Absences as Slot Eyes Defensive Tweaks

Liverpool travels to the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for an 8:15pm GMT Premier League clash against unbeaten-at-home Sunderland. Manager Arne Slot's squad is hit hard by injuries and suspensions, prompting potential changes in defense.[1][2]

Liverpool's Injury Crisis and Predicted Lineup

Defender Joe Gomez could return after a hip injury from last month's Bournemouth game, resuming training Tuesday, though Slot is cautious about starting him.[1][2][4] Long-term absentees include Conor Bradley (knee), Giovanni Leoni (knee), Alexander Isak (leg), and Jeremie Frimpong (thigh).[1][3][4] Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended after a red card against Manchester City.[3][4][7]

Slot is expected to deploy Curtis Jones at right-back, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk anchoring center-back, and Andy Robertson at left-back over Milos Kerkez.[2][3][4] Midfield features Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, attacking with Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo (or Federico Chiesa), and Hugo Ekitike up top.[2][4]

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.[2][4]

Sunderland's Team News

Sunderland, fresh off a 3-0 loss to Arsenal, misses Granit Xhaka (ankle), Bertrand Traore (knee), and Jocelin Talbi (injury).[1][4] Noah Sadiki is fit despite substitution, and debutant Nilson Angulo is ready.[1] Trai Hume captains in Xhaka's absence.[1]

Predicted Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Diarra; Hume, Le Fee, Talbi; Brobbey.[1][4]

Context and Stakes

Liverpool (11-6-8, 39 pts) seeks a rare away win at Sunderland (9-9-7, 36 pts), unbeaten at home this season, after recent setbacks including a loss to Man City.[3][5][8] Watch on TNT Sports.[2]

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