In a season that has felt more like a medical thriller than a football campaign, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has finally reached his breaking point. Ahead of tonight’s high-stakes Premier League clash against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Slot delivered a chilling assessment of his squad’s fitness—or lack thereof—hinting that the club’s current misfortune has transcended the physical realm.
“This is Spiritual”: Slot’s Breaking Point
The usually calm and collected Dutchman didn’t mince words during his pre-match briefing. With the Reds’ defensive depth chart looking like a casualty list from a disaster movie, Slot expressed his disbelief at the sheer volume of injuries hitting one specific area of the pitch.
> “This is no longer tactical, this is spiritual!” Slot reportedly vented. “How can I lose five players in the same position in one month? Even the one we haven’t signed yet is already injured!”
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Slot was referring to the bizarre news regarding Jeremy Jacquet. The Rennes centre-back, who only recently agreed to a £60 million summer move to Anfield, has already been sidelined with a serious shoulder injury before even stepping foot on Merseyside.
The Right-Back Black Hole
Liverpool’s right-back position has become a genuine “Emergency Zone.” As of tonight, the following players are unavailable:
* Conor Bradley: Out for the season (Knee).
* Jeremie Frimpong: Sidelined until March (Hamstring).
* Joe Gomez: Managing a hip injury; failed a late fitness test for a starting spot.
* Dominik Szoboszlai: Suspended after a red card against Manchester City.
* Giovanni Leoni: Long-term absentee (ACL).
The Emergency Starter: Who is Playing Right-Back?
With youth prospect Calvin Ramsay frozen out of the first-team plans, Slot has been forced into a “total disgrace avoidance” maneuver.
To the shock of many, the man tasked with holding down the right flank tonight is none other than Curtis Jones.
While Jones is a “natural” midfielder, he has been repurposed as an emergency defender to combat Sunderland’s pacey wingers. Slot has opted for the Scouser’s work rate and technical ability over playing a traditional defender out of position, marking the sixth different player to occupy the right-back role for Liverpool this season.
Liverpool’s “Makeshift” Backline Tonight
| Position | Player | Status |
|—|—|—|
| Right-Back | Curtis Jones | Emergency Midfielder-turned-Defender |
| Centre-Back | Ibrahima Konaté | Starter |
| Centre-Back | Virgil van Dijk | Starter |
| Left-Back | Andy Robertson | Starter |
Why This Game Matters
Tonight’s match isn’t just about three points; it’s about survival. Liverpool have won only once since the start of 2026 and are currently reeling from a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City. Facing a Sunderland side that remains unbeaten at home this season, a “total disgrace” in the defensive third could effectively end Liverpool’s hopes of a top-four finish.
Slot is banking on Jones to provide stability in a position that has become a curse. If the Reds can survive the Stadium of Light with a midfield-heavy backline, it will be a testament to Slot’s “emergency” management—and perhaps a sign that the “spiritual” curse is finally lifting.
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