Full team news from the Stadium of Light as Liverpool are entertained by Sunderland in the Premier League
19:04, 11 Feb 2026Updated 19:21, 11 Feb 2026
Joe Gomez makes his way off the pitch after picking up an injury in Liverpool’s game against Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)
Joe Gomez returns to the Liverpool bench at Sunderland as Arne Slot makes two changes for the trip to the Stadium of Light this evening.
Wataru Endo steps into the void at right-back with Dominik Szoboszlai suspended and Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong injured. It’s the Japan captain’s first start of the Premier League season.
On the left side of the defence, Andy Robertson replaces Milos Kerkez as captain Virgil van Dijk partners Ibrahima Konate in the centre. It’s Robertson’s first start in the league since the goalless draw with Leeds United on New Year’s Day.
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Gomez has been sidelined for over two weeks after a hip injury picked up in an accidental collision with Alisson when trying to prevent the opening goal in the 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth last month.
Slot had initially stated after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City that Gomez was an injury doubt for this game in the North East.
However, the long-serving and versatile England international is back in the squad, providing a timely boost to a defensive department that is stretched, particularly with the suspension to midfielder Szoboszlai, who has deputised on the right side of the back four at times this term.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister partners Ryan Gravenberch with Florian Wirtz entrusted to perform in a more advanced role. The Germany international was awarded the club’s player of the month award for January on Tuesday and is aiming to build on the six goals scored since late December.
Mohamed Salah is stationed on the right side of the front three, Cody Gakpo occupies the left and Hugo Ekitike leads the line. Teenage winger Kieran Morrison is on the bench alongside Federico Chiesa and fellow teen Rio Ngumoha.
Liverpool can close the gap on Manchester United in fourth to three points with victory this evening but Regis Le Bris’s Black Cats are unbeaten at home since their return to the Premier League.
Liverpool: Alisson; Endo, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo. Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Kerkez, Chiesa, Jones, Nyoni, Ramsay, Morrison, Ngumoha.
Sunderland: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Diarra; Hume, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey. Subs: Ellborg, Cirkin, O’Nien, Geertruida, Rigg, Mundle, Isidor, Mayenda, Talbi.