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The Reds return to Anfield on Wednesday night for an 8.15pm GMT meeting with Sunderland, and the game arrives in the middle of a demanding run of fixtures. Arne Slot’s side have already shown strong mentality during a busy stretch, but the head coach still has key decisions to make as he manages injuries, returning players, and the challenge of three matches in seven days.
The Reds beat West Ham United 2-0 last weekend, a result that restored confidence after a difficult midweek in Europe. Now they face a Sunderland team that travels with fresh energy, no new injuries, and a group that is starting to build belief. The Black Cats are young, but they have shown they will not simply roll over for anyone.
Liverpool Team News: Bradley and Frimpong Out, Others Returning
Slot confirmed ahead of the game that Liverpool will once again be without Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. Both remain sidelined for the foreseeable future and will not feature at Anfield. Giovanni Leoni also continues his long recovery and is not expected back any time soon.
The good news is that the squad has recently welcomed back several important players. Alisson Becker returned between the sticks last weekend. Florian Wirtz also made his comeback, along with Joe Gomez, who slotted straight back into the back line.
Slot said the team will undergo a full assessment before making final selections for Wednesday night. With players just returning from injury and Liverpool facing another match shortly after this one, the manager explained that he must judge not only form but also fatigue.
Slot on Squad Rotation: “Let’s See How They Feel”
The manager kept his cards close when asked whether he intends to rotate heavily. According to Slot, there has not been much time to evaluate the squad properly because players were in recovery mode on Monday, and the next training session would take place right after his press conference. He used Florian Wirtz as an example. The midfielder had missed nearly two weeks of training before the West Ham fixture. While his performance in London was encouraging, Slot noted that Wirtz may not be ready to play full matches every few days.
Joe Gomez falls into the same category, and so does striker Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward scored his first Liverpool goal in the win over West Ham, but he told the manager he felt cramps late in the game. Slot explained that Isak likely could not have played much longer than he did and will need to be assessed during training.
When asked directly whether Wirtz, Gomez, and Isak could handle three full matches in a single week, Slot was firm. He said there is no chance they can play three times for ninety minutes each. They can be involved, but the staff needs to check how they react to training before deciding who starts against Sunderland.
Mohamed Salah to Leave for AFCON on December 15
Another major talking point is Mohamed Salah’s temporary departure. Slot confirmed that Salah will join the Egyptian national team on December 15 for the Africa Cup of Nations. Some wondered if Liverpool might start adjusting the lineup early so that the team can rehearse life without Salah. Slot dismissed this idea. He said the team will deal with Salah’s absence when the time comes, but until then, he remains an essential part of the squad. This means supporters should expect to see Salah starting regularly until the international duty officially begins.
Sunderland Team News: A Healthy Squad and Growing Confidence
Sunderland arrive in good health after their 3-2 win over Bournemouth. Noah Sadiki has been passed fit, giving head coach Regis Le Bris one more option in midfield. The visitors still have a few longer-term absentees, including Aji Alese and Habib Diarra. Leo Hjelde and Dennis Cirkin recently returned to action through the Under-21 side, though neither is expected to start at Anfield.
Despite these gaps, Le Bris insists his team is strong and united. He sees the match as both a challenge and an opportunity. With several of his players also set to leave for AFCON soon, the coach believes this is a moment for squad players to step up. According to Le Bris, Sunderland will not come to Anfield simply to admire Liverpool. He praised the atmosphere at Anfield and said his team must be competitive from the first whistle. The young side has gained valuable experience against tough opponents and plans to test Liverpool rather than sit back.
Recent Performances: How Both Teams Arrive
Liverpool’s Last Match
Liverpool defeated West Ham United 2-0 on November 30. Slot used a lineup that included Alisson, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, and Isak. The performance was steady and controlled, with signs of improved chemistry among the returning players.
Sunderland’s Last Match
Sunderland earned a dramatic 3-2 win over Bournemouth on November 29. Their starting team featured Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Mandava, Xhaka, Sadiki, Traore, Le Fee, Talbi, and Isidor. The match showed resilience and attacking hunger, traits they hope to carry into this midweek fixture.
Key Storylines to Watch
1. How Will Slot Manage His Returning Stars?
Liverpool’s biggest question involves workload. Gomez, Wirtz, and Isak all returned recently and looked sharp, but none of them is ready for repeated full matches in such a short timeframe. Slot must find the right balance between keeping momentum and protecting players from setbacks.
2. Will Salah Start Again Before AFCON?
With Salah set to leave on December 15, each match feels significant. Supporters will want to enjoy his involvement while they still can, and Slot seems intent on keeping him central to the team.
3. Sunderland’s Growing Confidence
The Black Cats have quietly put together encouraging performances. Their win over Bournemouth showed courage and creativity. They are underdogs at Anfield, but their coach believes they can compete instead of simply absorb pressure.
4. The Anfield Advantage
Slot’s Liverpool has developed a strong home presence. With the crowd behind them, the Reds often find an extra gear. Sunderland know this well, and their young squad will need composure to handle that energy.
What to Expect on Matchday
Liverpool are the favorites, especially at home, but Slot’s comments make it clear that rotation is possible. We may see a blend of established names and players who need minutes. The midfield could be adjusted due to Wirtz’s fitness, and the forward line might be reshuffled if Isak is not ready to start. Sunderland will approach the match with belief. Their coach trusts the depth of his squad and expects a committed performance. They are aware of Liverpool’s threat but will try to push forward whenever chances arise.
The match has all the ingredients of an exciting night at Anfield. Liverpool want to maintain momentum, while Sunderland hope to make a statement. Both sides arrive with storylines that stretch far beyond the ninety minutes. No matter how the final lineup looks, fans can expect energy, determination, and a contest shaped by two managers who are focused on development as much as results. If Liverpool manage the game well and stay sharp in both boxes, they will be strong favorites to take all three points. Sunderland, though, have nothing to lose and plenty of fire in their young squad.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com