Arne Slot’s team selection for Sunderland a major hint for fan favourites’ future

Last Updated on 11 February 2026

Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off in stoppage time against Manchester City for tugging on Erling Haaland and denying a clear-cut goal scoring opportunity. As a result, the Hungarian was not available for selection against Sunderland on Wednesday night.

Szoboszlai had slotted in at rightback against City. But with almost all rightbacks and deputies unavailable, this was a selection headache for Arne Slot.

But when the Liverpool team was announced on Wednesday night, there was a key absence.

Curtis Jones not in the starting XI; Wataru Endo starts for Liverpool at rightback

Arne Slot decided not to start Curtis Jones despite a number of absences at rightback and in midfield. Joe Gomez only trained with the squad once, before the short turnaround against Sunderland, meanwhile Jeremie Frimpong is expected to be out for at least another week.

Conor Bradley was ruled out for the season after suffering an ACL injury, while Szoboszlai was sent off against Manchester City. Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones, both, deputised at rightback during the on-going campaign.

However, with Endo making only a handful of starts under Slot, it is a surprising choice to go with the Japanese international instead of Jones. It could be because of the rumoured rift between Jones and Slot, but in any case, it does not paint a pretty picture.

This comes after reliable reports linked Jones with a move away from Anfield in January. It would only feed into Slot’s apparent distrust of youth at Liverpool.

Curtis Jones falling out of favour another damning indictment of Arne Slot’s management

For a player who once looked like the natural heir to Liverpool’s midfield evolution, Curtis Jones now finds himself in an increasingly uncertain position under Arne Slot.

This was meant to be the season where Jones kicked on again. After battling through injuries and rediscovering rhythm during Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign, he had re-established himself as a dependable option, press-resistant and tactically intelligent.

Against Sunderland, with right-back options stretched to breaking point, the stage felt perfectly set for Jones. He has already deputised there this season, he understands the tactical demands and offers ball progression and control.

Instead, Slot opted for Wataru Endo. That decision speaks volumes. Is this tactical? Personal? Or simply a stylistic mismatch? For supporters, this situation cuts deeper. Jones isn’t just another squad player.

And unless Slot begins to show faith soon, the Sunderland selection may be remembered not as a minor team-sheet surprise. But, more so, as the clearest hint yet that Curtis Jones’ future at Anfield is hanging by a thread.