Why is Dominik Szoboszlai not playing for Liverpool vs. Sunderland? ~ COSMO NEWS

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.

Leandro Trossard scores Arsenal's first goal in a 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on Nov. 23.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez makes a save against Burnley at Turf Moor in Burnley on Nov. 22. Chelsea won the match, 2-0.

Nikola Milenkovic of Nottingham Forest wins a header under pressure from Jayden Bogle of Leeds United at City Ground on Nov. 9. Nottingham Forest won the match, 3-1.

Michael Keane of Everton scores his team's second goal during a 2-0 win over Fulham at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Nov. 8.

Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch celebrates scoring his team's second goal in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield on Nov. 1. The victory ended a four-game losing streak in Premier League games for the defending champions.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=

Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri (right) and Burnley's Florentino Luis battle for possession of the ball at Turf Moor. Arsenal won the Nov. 1 match, 2-0, to stay six points above Manchester City atop the Premier League table.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Diego Gomez of Brighton & Hove Albion scores his team's second goal whilst under pressure from Lucas Perri of Leeds United at Amex Stadium on Nov. 1. Brighton prevailed, 3-0.

Diego Gomez of Brighton & Hove Albion scores his team's second goal whilst under pressure from Lucas Perri of Leeds United at Amex Stadium on Nov. 1. Brighton prevailed, 3-0.

Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher comes out to clear the ball against Liverpool at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on Oct. 25. Brentford won the match, 3-2, sending Liverpool to its fourth consecutive Premier League defeat.

Wilson Isidor of Sunderland celebrates after scoring his team's first goal in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Oct. 25.

Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's second goal in a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Oct. 19.

Andre of Wolverhampton Wanderers is challenged by Wilson Isidor of Sunderland during Sunderland's 2-0 win at Stadium of Light on Oct. 18, 2025 in Sunderland, England.

Brenden Aaronson of Leeds United is challenged by Floretino Luis of Burnley during Burnley's 2-0 win at Turf Moor on Oct. 18, 2025 in Burnley, England.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City competes for a header whilst under pressure from Sepp van den Berg and Kristoffer Ajer of Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium on Oct. 5, 2025. Man City won the match, 1-0.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea celebrates alongside Marc Cucurella and Jamie Gittens after Estevao Willian scored the winning goal in a 2-1 win against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Oct. 4, 2025.