Liverpool predicted XI vs Nott’m Forest: Alisson back but key duo OUT – ‘Far from ideal’ | OneFootball

Liverpool should welcome back Alisson for Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest, as the Premier League makes a welcome return after the international break, but Arne Slot has ruled two key players out of the contest.

The Reds are back in action and will be looking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss at Manchester City last time out, a result that ended what had looked like a mini-recovery after wins over Aston Villa in the Premier League and Real Madrid in the Champions League.

In terms of the team news ahead of Liverpool‘s visit of Forest, Slot has confirmed that Alisson is back and available and looks set to replace Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of the game, Slot said: “Andy Robertson didn’t train yet, but he will be with us today.

“Alisson trained last week and this week, so he will be able to play tomorrow if things work out well today. If he’s ready to play, he will start.

“But we do have some issues after the international break, unfortunately. Conor Bradley is not able to play and Florian Wirtz is not able to play.

“That’s far from ideal.”

Bradley and Wirtz are both reported to have muscle injuries, with the former set to be sidelined for up to three weeks. Wirtz, meanwhile, is not thought to be as bad and should be back sooner.

GK: Alisson

The Brazilian has been out since suffering a hamstring injury against Galatasaray on September 30, missing a total of eight matches in that time.

His return is a timely one after the Reds conceded three at City, although in fairness to Mamardashvili he did not do a bad job as deputy.

Alisson still needs to prove his fitness on Saturday morning ahead of the game, but is expected to be fine for the contest.

RB: Joe Gomez

With Bradley sidelined and Jeremie Frimpong battling his way back from a thigh issue, the versatile Gomez gets the nod here ahead of Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Hungarian’s creativity will likely be needed further forward in the absence of Wirtz, so it makes sense for Gomez to get the nod at right-back.

CB: Ibrahima Konate

The speculation continues over Konate’s long-term future at Anfield, with the player himself discussing the matter during the recent international break.

The French defender’s performances so far this season have been wildly inconsistent and Slot will be hoping for one of his better days against a Forest side who could play into his hands with Sean Dyche’s more direct approach.

CB: Virgil van Dijk

The Liverpool skipper will marshal the Reds’ backline again and will no doubt be pleased to see Alisson back behind him again.

Van Dijk, alongside Konate, struggled to cope with Erling Haaland last time out, but should have a slightly easier task against Forest No.9 Igor Jesus – unless Dyche opts for the more physical presence of Chris Wood instead.

LB: Andrew Robertson

Makes sense to go with the veteran, who should still be on a high after leading Scotland to what will be their first World Cup in 28 years in midweek.

Given his efforts against Denmark, however, it could be that Slot has Robertson pencilled in for an hour before switching to Milos Kerkez.

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CM: Ryan Gravenberch

The reliable Dutchman didn’t feature at all in his country’s clash against Lithuania on Monday night, so should be completely fresh to take on Forest who will likely try and pack their midfield.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

Mac Allister played 85 minutes of Argentina’s friendly win over Angola last Friday, but will have had more than a week to recover from his travels.

His presence at the heart of Slot’s engine room is pivotal, and it would be a massive surprise if he was rested for a game Liverpool desperately need to bounce back in after City.

AM: Dominik Szoboszlai

With Wirtz missing, Slot uses the Hungary playmaker in the No.10 role – avoiding the temptation to slot him in at right-back in the absence of Bradley and Frimpong.

Szoboszlai was one of Liverpool’s better performers in the humbling at The Etihad, which is probably not saying much, but he should give them a spark in the final third.

So much has been made of Salah’s struggles so far this season, but form is temporary and class is permanent. To that end, the Anfield legend will explode into life at some point this season, and Slot will be hoping it’s sooner rather than later.

With Alexander Isak still not fully fit, Ekitike deservedly gets the nod again after impressing os far in a difficult start to the season for Liverpool

The France international has scored six goals in his first 16 games for The Reds and will fancy adding to that tally against 19th-placed Forest.

Much-maligned by some on Merseyside but a player who Slot clearly likes, despite the strong Liverpool links that have emerged when it comes to a January move for Antoine Semenyo.

Gakpo gets the nod on the left, especially with Wirtz missing after the German started there against City.