Consider this: right-back Jeremie Frimpong has been sidelined multiple times with injuries. Conor Bradley also battled health issues and, at the start of this year, suffered what appeared to be a serious injury against Arsenal. He isn't expected back until midway through next season. Then there's Joe Gomez, who seems to spend more time in the physio room than on the pitch.
To make matters worse, makeshift right-back Dominik Szoboszlai received a straight red card against Manchester City (a 1-2 loss). The Hungarian was consequently suspended for the Sunderland match, forcing Slot to start Japanese international Wataru Endo at right-back. Endo, however, didn't make it to the final whistle.
New Injury Blow for Liverpool
The Japanese midfielder hasn't seen much action under Slot this season, and in one of his rare starts, he immediately picked up an injury. Endo twisted his ankle while attempting to clear the ball. He limped on for about three minutes before eventually collapsing. Visibly emotional, the Japanese player received treatment on the field.
The thought of missing the upcoming World Cup was likely running through his mind. Slot could hardly believe yet another player had been injured. He brought the recently fit Gomez off the bench to replace Endo.
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