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Dominik Szoboszlai needs Liverpool transfer to avoid switch as Rio Ngumoha takes next step
Ian Doyle with the talking points from Liverpool’s FA Cup third round clash against Barnsley at Anfield on Monday evening
Rio Ngumoha earned valuable experience from the start for Liverpool against Barnsley
The strange narrative of some suggests it has been a tough few days for Gabriel Martinelli. But the supposed suffering of the Arsenal winger pales compared to that of Conor Bradley.
And with the Liverpool right-back now out for the domestic season with the serious knee injury to which Martinelli controversially took exception last Thursday, Arne Slot must now juggle his resources in the position for the remainder of the campaign.
In truth, it has been like that ever since Trent Alexander-Arnold departed with Bradley and summer signing Jeremie Frimpong sidelined at various times through injury.
Liverpool player ratings vs Barnsley as two score 5/10 before substitutes impress
Liverpool FC
Frimpong will be first choice and continued his decisive recent form with a blistering solo effort for Liverpool’s second goal.
His minutes, though, will need to be managed, and the Dutchman was substituted on the hour along with the other main option, Joe Gomez, who had a difficult time at centre-back on his first start in a month.
That Dominik Szoboszlai ended the game at right-back spoke volumes. Unless Liverpool opt to dip into the transfer market this month, it’s unlikely to be the last time the versatile Hungarian reprises the role.
Ngumoha learning lessons
For all Arne Slot’s intention of going reasonably strong here, there was one youngster who was always going to start.
And this was a chance for Rio Ngumoha to serve a reminder of the blistering talent that saw him become Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer when netting a dramatic late Premier League winner at Newcastle United back in August.
Ngumoha, who turned 17 a few days later, has since been used sparingly, with five more top-flight substitute appearances and one in the Champions League to go with two starts in the League Cup.
Slot spoke ahead of this game about Liverpool being keen not to place too much strain on the developing youngster with his first-team training days carefully managed.
This display, then, was another necessary step along the learning curve for the teenager.
Starting on the left, Ngumoha attempted to inject pace and urgency to Liverpool’s attacking play only to, save one electric move, be constantly hounded out.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Man City (Szoboszlai, 74)
HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
An absolutely sensational free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai. This one might be even better than the one against Arsenal.
From a central position, around 25 yards out, it’s an absolutely sensational hit which swerves out of reach of Donnarumma, who doesn’t even dive, and slams into the net off the post.
Amazing. And what could that mean for the title race? Arsenal staying nine points clear as it stands.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Man City (Szoboszlai, 74)
HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
An absolutely sensational free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai. This one might be even better than the one against Arsenal.
From a central position, around 25 yards out, it’s an absolutely sensational hit which swerves out of reach of Donnarumma, who doesn’t even dive, and slams into the net off the post.
Amazing. And what could that mean for the title race? Arsenal staying nine points clear as it stLiverpool vs Man City LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score, stream and highlights – live on Sky Sports
Sunday 8 February 2026 18:05, UK
Second Half: Liverpool 1-0 Man City – live on Sky
Szoboszlai scores OUTRAGEOUS free-kick! View post
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Ekitike missed huge chance as Liverpool came to life View post | Teams
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Liverpool vs Man City LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score, stream and highlights – live on Sky Sports
Sunday 8 February 2026 16:30, UK
First Half: Liverpool 0-0 Man City – live on Sky
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Liverpool FC team news vs. Man City: 6 defenders unavailable for Arne Slot
Liverpool have six defenders unavailable for their game against Man City, with Arne Slot‘s hand forced at centre-back and right-back.
Liverpool are down to their bare bones at the back, with six defenders unable to start as the Reds try to keep pace with their top-four competitors in the Premier League.
Liverpool Injury & Absentee List
PlayerInjury TypeStatusExpected ReturnJoe GomezKneeDoubtMan City (H)Jeremie FrimpongGroinUnavailableEarly MarchConor BradleyKnee (Surgery)UnavailablePre-season 2026Giovanni LeoniACL (Surgery)UnavailableNext seasonAlexander IsakFibula FractureUnavailableLate MarchStefan BajceticHamstringRehabLate FebruaryJayden DannsHamstringRehabFebruaryWellity LuckyHamstringUnavailableApril
Joe Gomez‘s fitness is the main talking point ahead of the match at Anfield, given his presence would provide cover at centre-back and full-back.
He didn’t train on Thursday, though, and Slot explained: “We have a little bit of hope that he might train on Saturday.
“So not available to start, but maybe available to help the team if needed during the game because, as you know, there are not that many defenders available at the moment.”
With Giovanni Leoni out until next season, academy defenders Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky have made the bench in the Premier League a combined five times this season.
The latter is injured, however, so unable to come in against Man City.
Nallo got injured during Tuesday’s UEFA Youth League exit to MSK Zilina, but was named to start for the U21s on Saturday, meaning he will not be available at Anfield.
As for Lucky’s injury, the 20-year-old is set to be sidelined until April due to a hamstring injury sustained in training midway through January.
Also on Liverpool’s list of absentees is right-back Conor Bradley, who will miss the rest of the campaign.
Like Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong is currently injured but his outlook is more positive than his teammate’s.
Slot gave a brief update on the flying Dutchman’s fitness, saying he “will definitely not train this week” due to his ongoing groin problem.
With Nallo featuring at academy level, Liverpool will be without six defensive options against Man City.
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Liverpool Predicted XI vs. Man City: Szoboszlai right-back, no start for Jones
Liverpool’s available squad vs. Man City
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Robertson, Ramsay
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Endo, Nyoni
Forwards: Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike, Ngumoha, Chiesa
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