Why is Dominik Szoboszlai not playing for Liverpool vs. Sunderland? ~ ERIUS MAG

Liverpool will be without Dominik Szoboszlai for Wednesday's trip to face Sunderland in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai, who has been perhaps Liverpool's most consistent performer this season, will be serving a one-match ban after picking up a red card in a 2-1 loss to Manchester City on Sunday, Feb. 8.

The Hungary international gave Liverpool the lead in the 74th minute with a sensational free kick, but the visitors struck back with goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland to take the lead in stoppage time.

With Liverpool desperately chasing an equalizer deep into stoppage time, Szoboszlai picked up his red card in a bizarre sequence.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson went up the pitch for a free kick, leaving his net open. After Man City cleared, Rayan Cherki ended up with the ball at midfield and hit a side-footed effort that was trickling toward goal.

Szoboszlai and Haaland went on a footrace after the ball, with the former pulling back the latter and then vice versa. As both players fell to the ground, the ball rolled into the empty net.

Referee Craig Pawson went to the VAR monitor, ultimately deciding to disallow the goal and show a red card to Szoboszlai for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO) prior to the ball going in.

Have you ever seen a match end like this?! 🫨@LFC@ManCitypic.twitter.com/xpDCeFtDKS

— Premier League (@premierleague)February 8, 2026

Because the red card was for tactical reasons instead of violent conduct, Szoboszlai will only be suspended one match instead of three.

It will be the second suspension of the season for Szoboszlai, who missed a 2-1 win over Wolves in December due to yellow card accumulation.

The 25-year-old's absence will be a blow for a Liverpool side that is just aiming for a top-four finish one season after winning the Premier League title.

Arne Slot's side entered the midweek slate of fixtures in sixth place, five points back of a top-four position.

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