Liverpool XI vs Sunderland: Latest Team News, Predicted Lineup and Injuries

Liverpool XI vs Sunderland: Latest Team News, Predicted Lineup and Injuries

Slot says neither summer signing is ready for three full matches, raising key selection questions for Liverpool’s busiest week of the season.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are not yet capable of completing three full matches in a week — a reality that could shape team selection during one of the club’s most demanding stretches of the Premier League season.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Sunderland, Slot confirmed that both big-money summer signings are still being managed carefully after recent fitness setbacks. Wirtz, who impressed with 75 minutes in the win over West Ham, is still building sharpness after missing two games, while Isak reported cramp after scoring his first league goal for the club since his £125m arrival.

With three Premier League fixtures in seven days, Slot faces a balancing act that could determine how Liverpool navigate a period that may prove pivotal to their campaign.

🔴 Isak and Wirtz Not Ready for Triple Game Load

Slot made it clear that neither player is at the stage where they can play “three times 90 minutes”, calling the fixture schedule “almost impossible” to manage with so many players returning from injury.

• Wirtz: missed nearly two weeks of training; still being eased back

• Isak: experiencing early-stage cramp; minutes to be monitored

• Gomez: played first full league match in 11 months and still under observation

“They are not able to play three times 90, that is for sure,” Slot said. “Now I have to wait and see how they feel today, if they are able to play from the start again.”

The comments suggest that Liverpool may need to rotate more aggressively than anticipated, especially with back-to-back games at Anfield and Elland Road.

⚽ What It Means for Liverpool’s Line-Up

This week’s fixtures — Sunderland (A) and Leeds (A) — arrive at a difficult moment for Liverpool’s squad depth.

Likely implications:

• Neither Isak nor Wirtz will start all three games

• Slot could deploy one from the bench in midweek

• Joe Gomez may not complete another 90 minutes

• Ben Doak or Cody Gakpo could see increased roles

• Wataru Endo may be rotated due to workload

Slot suggested that all three players could be involved “if they don’t get an injury”, but “involved” may not mean starting.

🏃 Injury Situation: Bradley Returns, Frimpong Close

In a boost, Slot confirmed that Conor Bradley has rejoined team training, although he warned fans not to expect an immediate return.

“Conor got into a training session yesterday for the first time,” Slot said. “He’s not everything 100% so we have to manage that.”

Bradley could be available for Leeds on Saturday if he responds well to sessions in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong — out since October with a hamstring problem — is expected back in training next week but will miss at least three more games.

🧠 Why This Week Matters for Liverpool

The club enters a decisive stretch where:

• Each point is critical in the title race

• Squad rotation could dictate January transfer priorities

• Fan scrutiny of Slot’s decisions will intensify

• Performance levels may expose gaps in fitness planning

This period also represents the first time Slot’s Liverpool has faced an authentic “three-games-in-seven-days” test with multiple returning players.

How he distributes minutes across Isak, Wirtz, Gomez, and Szoboszlai may influence the rest of the season.

🔍 Predicted XI vs Sunderland (Based on Slot’s Comments)

Wirtz and Isak likely to feature from the bench unless they come through training at full intensity.

📝 Full Injury/Availability Chart

📊 Key Questions Fans Are Asking About Liverpool’s Fitness Situation

Is Alexander Isak fully fit for Liverpool?

Not yet. Isak is available but is not considered ready to complete three full matches in a week.

Will Florian Wirtz start against Sunderland?

Slot has not confirmed, but his comments suggest Wirtz may be rotated or given reduced minutes.

When is Conor Bradley returning?

Bradley has rejoined team training and could return for the Leeds match if his recovery continues smoothly.

How many games will Jeremie Frimpong miss?

At least three more, according to Slot.

Liverpool’s week now hinges on Slot’s rotation. Managing Isak’s and Wirtz’s workloads while protecting Gomez may determine how many points Liverpool emerge with — and how stable their squad looks heading into the year-end stretch.

📺 Where to Watch Liverpool vs Sunderland

Liverpool face Sunderland on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 20:15 (UK time).

How to Watch in the UK

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning around an hour before kick-off.
A live stream will also be available via Sky Go for subscribers.

International Viewing Options

Fans outside the UK can watch through the Premier League’s international broadcast partners, which vary by region. Common platforms include:

• NBC Sports / Peacock (USA)

• DAZN (Canada, some European territories)

• Optus Sport (Australia)

• SuperSport (Africa)

• Star+ / ESPN (South America)

Supporters can check the Premier League’s official website for full regional listings.

👉 Further Reading: Sky Sports – Liverpool vs Sunderland Match Centre 👈