Liverpool Faces Significant Injury Setback Before Nottingham Forest Clash

Liverpool Faces Injury Setbacks Ahead of Nottingham Forest Match

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that the squad will be facing selection challenges for their upcoming Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, with Conor Bradley and Harvey Elliott ruled out due to injuries sustained during the international break.

International Duties Cause Injury Concerns

The break proved costly for the Reds. Conor Bradley, who has been vital for Northern Ireland, returned with a muscular strain following their intense UEFA Nations League fixtures. While Northern Ireland secured a crucial playoff spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the physical toll on the young defender is significant.

Slot addressed the media on Friday, highlighting the strain of the current calendar.

We do have some issues after the international break, unfortunately,

Slot remarked. He expressed particular concern regarding Bradley’s recovery timeline:

I don’t expect Conor to be part of the upcoming 22 days; maybe at the end, but not unless something miraculous happens.

In addition to Bradley, Harvey Elliott is also sidelined with a similar muscular issue, further thinning Liverpool’s options in transition. These setbacks come at a challenging time as Liverpool looks to build momentum following a strong performance against Aston Villa and a resilient showing in the Champions League.

Defensive Shifts and Squad Depth

With Joe Gomez still working toward full match fitness, Slot faces a tactical puzzle at right-back. While Gomez is expected to participate in training today, his limited minutes in 2025 make starting him seven times in the next three weeks a high-risk strategy.

Given we want to maintain Joe’s availability, it might be risky to have him play every single minute of this congested period,

Slot added. This has sparked internal discussion about moving players into unfamiliar roles. While Dominik Szoboszlai has been exceptional in midfield and showed versatility, Slot hinted that Curtis Jones or even a tactical shift in the backline might be necessary to cover the defensive gaps.

Liverpool’s recent form — showing seven wins in their last ten matches — has kept them within striking distance of Premier League leaders Arsenal. To maintain this pressure and secure a top-eight finish in the Champions League group stage, navigating this injury-heavy period is essential.

Upcoming Fixtures Present Opportunities

Despite the injuries, Liverpool’s upcoming schedule offers a chance to consolidate their position. Matches against Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, and a domestic cup tie against Sunderland appear favorable.

The Reds are also heavy favorites for their European encounter with PSV Eindhoven. However, all eyes remain on the crucial trip to the San Siro to face Inter Milan on December 9, a fixture that will serve as a true litmus test for the depth and resilience of Slot’s squad.