Key Takeaways:
- Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley will both be unavailable for Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest on Saturday
- Alisson Becker has returned to full fitness and is expected to start after missing eight matches since his hamstring injury on 30 September against Galatasaray
- With Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both out for at least three weeks, Slot may be forced to deploy Dominik Szoboszlai or Joe Gomez in unfamiliar right-back roles
Squad Update Ahead of Premier League Clash
Liverpool’s preparations for Saturday’s Premier League showdown with Nottingham Forest have taken a blow, with manager Arne Slot revealing both Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley will be absent due to muscle injuries. However, the Reds are set to benefit from the return of goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who is available for selection once more after recovering from the hamstring issue that ruled him out of action following the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray on 30 September. Alisson has now rejoined training and should reclaim his place in the starting line-up.
🚨 BREAKING : Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz both set to miss out against Nottingham Forest due to injuries picked up in the international break. pic.twitter.com/wc3faupYQG
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) November 21, 2025
Defensive Options Stretched with Multiple Absentees
Slot faces a defensive headache, with Conor Bradley ruled out and Jeremie Frimpong already sidelined. Both players are not expected to be available for at least the next three weeks. This leaves Liverpool without a natural right-back option for the immediate future. Slot explained that Bradley will not be part of the squad for the next 22 days, except in the unlikely event of a swift recovery, while Wirtz’s absence may be shorter. Frimpong is also unavailable for several upcoming weeks.
| Player | Injury Type | Estimated Absence |
|---|---|---|
| Florian Wirtz | Muscle | Short term |
| Conor Bradley | Muscle | At least 22 days |
| Jeremie Frimpong | Unavailable | At least 3 weeks |
| Alisson Becker | Hamstring (recovered) | Available |
Slot Contemplates Makeshift Defensive Line
With options limited in defence, Arne Slot acknowledged that he could be forced to deploy players outside their typical positions to cope with the injuries. Dominik Szoboszlai and Joe Gomez have emerged as contenders to fill the right-back spot during this period. Slot highlighted Szoboszlai’s versatility and form across multiple roles, while also noting Gomez has played two full matches in 2025 and could be at risk of overuse if required for an intensive run in the coming weeks. Although Gomez missed training on Thursday, he was expected back on the pitch the following day as Slot weighs his options for coping with this sequence of setbacks.
