Richard Hughes decision haunts Liverpool in Sunderland win

Liverpool have a massive problem, and it’s one they should have addressed in January.

With Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez injured Dominik Szoboszlai has been the Reds’ go-to at right-back for the past few weeks.

The Hungarian was suspended for Wednesday night’s clash against Sunderland though, and Arne Slot turned to Wataru Endo to complete his backline.

Just after Liverpool took the lead disaster struck for the Japan international, and he was stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious injury to his lower leg.

Gomez was named on the bench and was forced to come on and make his return from injury prematurely.

Liverpool facing right-back crisis

Gomez put in a shift at right-back after coming on, but the Englishman’s injury record isn’t pretty and it is unrealistic to think he will be available for 90 minutes every match for the rest of the season.

Szoboszlai will be available to cover now that his suspension has been served, but the Hungarian offers much more to the team playing in the midfield.

Liverpool came close to signing defensive cover in the January window when a move for Lutsharel Geertruida was explored, but the Dutchman remained at Sunderland.

No alternative was brought in and now Liverpool are paying the price.

Endo’s injury leaves Slot with only four senior midfielders to choose from, and it feels like one more injury in the midfield would send the team into absolute crisis.

With Chelsea and Manchester United dropping points on Tuesday, Liverpool’s win against Sunderland was huge in their pursuit of a place in the Premier League’s top four, but there is a long way to go for Liverpool.

The Reds hopes of a top four finish now seem to rest solely on there being no further injuries at right-back or in the midfield, but Gomez’s history with injuries does suggest things won’t be that simple.

Liverpool’s decision not to sign a right-back in January is haunting them now, but supporters will hope it doesn’t ruin the rest of their season.

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