Liverpool v Nottingham Forest: Anfield team news, injury headaches and XIs latest

Two sides desperate for a reset collide at Anfield on Saturday afternoon. Liverpool come in off a grim run – seven losses in their last ten across all comps and a harsh lesson from Manchester City before the break – while Nottingham Forest, under Sean Dyche, finally found a pulse with a much-needed victory over Leeds United. The mood? Tense on Merseyside, guardedly optimistic in the Midlands.

Liverpool team news: Slot’s selection sudoku at the back

Arne Slot’s update paints a clear picture: the back line is running on fumes. Conor Bradley picked up a muscle problem on international duty and is ruled out for the next three weeks or so. Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, and young Giovanni Leoni is a long-term absentee with a knee injury. Add it up and Liverpool have, by Slot’s own count, just five natural defenders to get through seven matches in 22 days. Whichever way you shuffle the deck, that’s tight.

There is good news. Alisson has trained through last week and this, and barring any late hiccups the No 1 is set to start. Andy Robertson missed a session for private reasons but rejoined and is in contention. Alexander Isak, who was kept on ice for Sweden’s second game due to a looming suspension, is available and itching for minutes. The blow, though, is further forward: Florian Wirtz, who’s copped more flak than he deserves this season, is also out with a muscle complaint – Slot expects him back shortly after Forest, fitness permitting.

Reds injury timeline (what we know)

Florian Wirtz (muscle) – targeted return around 29/11/2025. Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) – aiming for ~20/12/2025. Conor Bradley (muscle) – similar timeframe (~20/12/2025). Giovanni Leoni (knee) – long-term, projected into August 2026. The rest? Treading water and crossing fingers.

Forest team news: Dyche juggling too

Dyche isn’t exactly swimming in options either. Striker Chris Wood is progressing and due a fresh scan, with encouraging noises but no green light just yet. Oleksandr Zinchenko is with the physios rather than the first-team group as he works through an adductor issue, and Douglas Luiz is edging forward from a hamstring problem but needs time rather than miracles. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn continues his recovery from a knee injury, while Ola Aina remains a long-term hamstring absentee. Dilane Bakwa has missed six on the spin, pencilled in to be reassessed around 22/11/2025.

There’s a positive on the flanks: Callum Hudson-Odoi has been on the grass in training and is firmly in the conversation for minutes if he comes through the final checks. It all points to a Dyche game plan that prizes structure and set-pieces, with the bench carrying as many “break glass” options as the medical room will allow.

How it shapes the contest

Slot’s most intriguing call is at right-back, where injuries have turned a routine decision into a tactical gamble. With only five recognised defenders available, Liverpool may need a makeshift solution and smart load management across this brutal 22-day stretch. Alisson’s return is a major stabiliser, while Isak’s movement could give Forest’s centre-halves a miserable afternoon if Liverpool get service into him early.

Forest will fancy their chances on transitions and dead balls – Dyche sides don’t miss many opportunities to turn restarts into arguments in the six-yard box. If they can slow the tempo and test Liverpool’s patched-up back line, Anfield could get edgy. Still, Liverpool’s ceiling is higher; if the hosts get the first goal, it could loosen the shoulders and the game with it.

For those weighing up the form and the injury ledger before kick-off, a reminder that market prices will swing the moment the XIs drop. Have a look at the best betting sites if you’re benchmarking odds, and remember: team news like “only five natural defenders available” can move the needle fast.

Confirmed lineups

No official XIs have been released at the time of writing. As ever, expect confirmation roughly an hour before kick-off. We’ll update when the teams are in and the tactical picture sharpens.

Verdict

Liverpool’s injury pinch at the back is real, but Alisson’s presence and Isak’s availability tilt the balance their way at home. Forest have a puncher’s chance if they turn it into a set-piece scrap, yet if the Reds find any rhythm, the visitors could be chasing more than shadows.