Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield this Saturday (November 22).
The Reds endured a turbulent autumn that saw their title defense falter dramatically after a perfect start to the season, while Forest languish in 19th position following a managerial merry-go-round that culminated in Sean Dyche’s appointment in late October.
Dyche’s arrival at the City Ground marked a homecoming of sorts for the former Forest academy graduate, who took charge on October 21st after Ange Postecoglou’s brief 39-day tenure ended in disaster.
The veteran manager enjoyed a winning start with a 2-0 Europa League victory over Porto courtesy of two penalties, before securing his first Premier League win last weekend with a spirited 3-1 comeback against Leeds United after going behind early.
That victory lifted Forest to nine points from 11 matches, though they remain perilously placed just one point above the relegation zone.
Both managers face crucial selection dilemmas with several first-team regulars battling fitness concerns ahead of Saturday’s 15:00 kick-off.
Ola Aina – Out
Nigerian international Ola Aina remains a long-term absentee for Nottingham Forest after undergoing surgery for a hamstring tear sustained during international duty in September.
The versatile full-back, was initially expected to miss roughly three months and was removed from the Premier League squad while recovering.
Recent reports suggest he won’t return to full training until January 2026 at the earliest, ruling him out of the Liverpool fixture and the foreseeable future.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – Doubt
The Arsenal loanee has been struggling with persistent groin problems that have proven more serious than initially anticipated.
Zinchenko was forced off in tears during a Europa League clash against FC Porto on October 23rd, and what seemed a minor setback has developed into a prolonged absence.
Manager Sean Dyche admitted the injury would keep the Ukrainian international out “a bit longer than we thought,” with the Liverpool fixture representing the very earliest possible return date, though his availability remains highly doubtful.
Chris Wood – Doubt
Forest’s veteran striker Chris Wood has been sidelined with a knee injury sustained on international duty with New Zealand but is edging closer to a return.
The 33-year-old, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, was expected to return for the Leeds United match on November 9th after missing the Manchester United fixture.
Dyche indicated there was “a stronger chance” of Wood’s availability following the international break, providing a potential boost for the Anfield encounter.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – Doubt
The winger has been dealing with a thigh problem that kept him out of recent fixtures, but like Wood, he is expected to return after the international break subject to recovering from the knock.
Douglas Luiz – Out
Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz faces a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during the 2-2 draw against Manchester United just before the club pause
Sean Dyche was frank about the situation, stating it would “not be a quick situation” and that Luiz is set to miss considerable time. The midfielder had established himself as an undisputed starter before the injury.
Jeremie Frimpong – Out
The right-back has been ruled out with a hamstring injury that has disrupted his debut season at Anfield. The Dutchman limped out of the 5-1 win away at Eintracht Frankfurt with his second hamstring issue of the campaign.
While Slot confirmed he expects Frimpong back after the international break, the manager clarified that the Forest match on November 22nd would come too soon for the 24-year-old to be fully fit.
Frimpong is more realistically targeting a return for Liverpool’s match against West Ham on November 30th.
Giovanni Leoni – Out
The Italian defender is continuing to recover from a devasting anterior cruciate ligament on his competitive debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
READ MORE: From the Netherlands: AZ wonderkid wanted by Arne Slot
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.