Liverpool star could be set for first Premier League start of the season vs Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Injury Concerns Shape Liverpool Plans

Liverpool returned from the international break with a mixture of relief and apprehension. Arne Slot confirmed that Alisson Becker is ready to reclaim his place in goal, yet that bright moment quickly dimmed as fresh concerns emerged around Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz. Both players suffered muscle problems while away with their national teams, and the timing could hardly be more awkward for a Liverpool side preparing for Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Slot did not hide his frustration, noting that “Florian Wirtz is not able to play. That’s far from ideal. Both muscle issues.” Bradley’s setback carries the heavier blow, with the right-back expected to miss at least three weeks. With Jeremie Frimpong still some distance from returning, Liverpool find themselves stretched in a position that has long relied on clarity and rhythm.

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Gomez Steps Into the Frame

The absence of Bradley and Frimpong leaves Liverpool with one realistic option at right-back for Saturday, and that is Joe Gomez. The defender has the athleticism and game intelligence to cope out wide, even if it is not his preferred role. Slot acknowledged the dilemma, emphasising the strain placed on a player who has featured sparingly this year.

“Joe Gomez has played two times 90 minutes throughout 2025, so it’s maybe a bit of a risk to play him seven times in 22 days,” noted the Liverpool manager. His admission that Gomez also missed training on Thursday will hardly soothe concerns, although there was encouragement in Slot’s follow-up. “He missed out on training as well by the way but we are expecting him to train today.”

If Gomez comes through that final session, he will almost certainly start against Forest. His composure, recovery pace and tactical discipline offer the most secure short term solution. Slot himself hinted strongly at that conclusion, saying, “Jeremie is going to be out for two or three weeks as well, so it’ll be interesting who plays at right-back!”

Wirtz and Bradley Absences Test Squad Depth

Florian Wirtz, since joining Liverpool, has shown flashes of the creativity and tempo Liverpool envisaged when he arrived. His layoff is expected to be shorter than Bradley’s but remains disruptive during a critical phase of the season. “Florian shouldn’t have to be that long,” Slot added, offering hope that the German midfielder may return sooner rather than later.

Forest Clash Demands Calm Solutions

Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest will test Liverpool’s ability to adapt under pressure. The fixture itself may not define the season, but this period without Bradley and Wirtz will reveal the squad’s resilience. Alisson’s return restores authority at the back, Gomez looks set to step in, and Liverpool will need to trust their rhythm, patience and structure.

Beyond the immediate challenge, supporters will hope for swift recoveries from both Bradley and Wirtz, particularly with a demanding run of fixtures ahead. For now, Liverpool must navigate the next steps carefully, leaning on experience, discipline and Slot’s growing influence as Premier League champions.