Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealed unexpected injury news during his Friday press conference. Ahead of the showdown with Nottingham Forest, he announced injuries to Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz that will sideline them for the match against Sean Dyche's squad, with Bradley expected to be out for a longer period following his exertions with Northern Ireland.
However, there is positive news as goalkeeper Alisson Becker is fit enough to return to the squad after missing eight games due to a hamstring injury, with Slot confirming he will be in contention to face Forest. But with uncertainties surrounding his team, particularly at right-back, who will Slot choose for the Anfield clash?
Ian Doyle
Nottingham Forest are one of only two Premier League teams Arne Slot has faced and not defeated so far as Liverpool boss (Fulham being the other).
The fact that Forest are on their third different manager this season speaks volumes about how their campaign is progressing under the leadership of Sean Dyche. However, Liverpool are currently one of the least in-form teams in the top flight and could benefit from a victory to stabilise their performance.
So, what should Reds boss Arne Slot do?
There will be changes. And not all of them will be warmly received.
Alisson Becker is back in goal, while Milos Kerkez will likely replace an exhausted Andy Robertson at left-back - the Scotland captain missed training on Thursday due to a family funeral. Ibrahima Konate will continue his partnership with Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.
The right-back position presents a challenge, but Joe Gomez seems the safest choice for this match.
This leaves little room for changes elsewhere. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister form the midfield double pivot, with Dominik Szoboszlai as the number 10.
Up front, Hugo Ekitike leads the attack, flanked by Mohamed Salah on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Mark Jones
Injuries to Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz were unexpected setbacks ahead of the return to domestic action, but Liverpool should still have enough firepower to overcome Nottingham Forest at home, despite their form before the international break.
Alisson's return is significant, and although there might be a temptation to protect him given his importance, he needs to be reinstated immediately. There could be a case for resting him for the midweek clash against PSV Eindhoven to ease the strain on his troublesome hamstring, but that's a separate issue.
In defence, we'll address the crucial right-back position shortly, but it's likely to be Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk in the centre. I'm inclined to give Milos Kerkez a run on the left following Andy Robertson's demanding week both on and off the pitch due to a family funeral.
Kerkez needs his confidence rebuilt gradually, and there's no reason he can't effectively rotate with the Scot over the coming weeks, given the fixture list.
So, onto the right-back. Dominik Szoboszlai performed admirably earlier in the season, but with Wirtz absent, he'll be required in midfield.
Therefore, I'd opt for Curtis Jones reprising a role we saw him adopt during the final weeks of the title-winning campaign. Then it's Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in the middle.
In attack, Mohamed Salah is an obvious choice. With Arne Slot expressing dissatisfaction about Alexander Isak's lack of game time for Sweden, I'd select Cody Gakpo on the left and Hugo Ekitike as the central striker.
Isak can then be brought on as a substitute, potentially starting against PSV if all goes according to plan. And of course, it will, won't it?
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Theo Squires
Liverpool are set to return to action post the November international break, hosting Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The Reds are keen to bounce back from their disappointing defeat against Manchester City.
Despite the anticipated return of Alisson Becker in goal, manager Arne Slot faces a fresh injury crisis.
Liverpool are left without a natural right-back due to Conor Bradley's recent injury, forcing Slot to consider alternative options for the position.
Joe Gomez might seem like an ideal choice, but given his own injury history and limited game time, Slot has expressed the need to handle him with care. Considering Liverpool's already thin centre-back resources, I wouldn't select him for this match.
Instead, Dominik Szoboszlai could reluctantly step into the right-back role, while the rest of the defence remains unchanged.
Szoboszlai's shift does necessitate a new No. 10.
With Florian Wirtz also out due to a muscle injury, my pick would be Hugo Ekitike in that slightly deeper role, with Cody Gakpo returning on the left wing.
Slot has previously mentioned that the French international is a viable option in this position, so it's worth giving him a shot. This would also allow for Alexander Isak to be included in the starting XI, as the Swedish striker is back from injury.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo; Isak.