Forest take on Arne Slot's side in the Premier League this afternoon with both clubs involved in huge battles at opposite ends of the table
Leigh Curtis Derby County Writer
14:06, 22 Feb 2026Updated 14:07, 22 Feb 2026
Liverpool boss Arne Slot
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Liverpool boss Arne Slot(Image: Getty)
Liverpool were dealt a hammer blow just minutes ahead of their clash with Nottingham Forest after star midfielder Florian Wirtz had to be withdrawn from their starting XI at the City Ground.
Wirtz had been scheduled to start the Premier League clash as the Reds looked to maintain their push for a Champions League place.
The German international has been one of Liverpool's best players in the last two months but has been replaced by Curtis Jones.
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Today's game is pivotal for both sides at opposite ends of the table with Forest looking to inch further away from the drop zone with West Ham being held by Bournemouth yesterday.
Liverpool are currently hunting down the top four and were boosted by Chelsea's home draw with Burnley yesterday, one of their top four rivals.
The game was also special for Vitor Pereira as it is his first home game in charge since succeeding Sean Dyche as manager.
He led the Reds to a thumping 3-0 win over Fenerbache in the Europa League in midweek.
Victory for Forest today would complete the double over Liverpool having beaten them 3-0 earlier in the season.
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