The upcoming Saturday lunchtime kickoff at Anfield marks Liverpool’s first home match of the new campaign, as Nottingham Forest make the trip north. However, the fixture carries an unmistakable tension. Forest have emerged victorious on their last two visits to the Reds’ home ground, establishing a troubling recent trend that the hosts are desperate to snap.
The visitors arrive under the stewardship of [Oliver Glasner,](https://live4liverpool.com/manager-says-defender-is-thinking-what-is-best-for-his-personal-career-lfc-joint-favourites-for-his-signature/) though his tenure has endured a rocky start. Forest enter the match searching for form following back-to-back defeats against Leeds United across the Premier League and the EFL Cup.
Liverpool will be eager to make it third time lucky against Glasner’s side, but their preparations are complicated by significant squad absences.
**Iraola’s team news and injury updates**
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Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola confirmed his squad selection will be restricted, with five first-team players officially ruled out. Addressing the media during Thursday’s press conference, Iraola quickly dismissed malicious social media rumors regarding goalkeeper Alisson Becker, confirming the Brazilian experienced no fresh injury setbacks.
However, Iraola did disclose a new fitness issue concerning Federico Chiesa, during Thursday afternoon [pre press conference explaining](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/andoni-iraola-press-conference-transfers-liverpool-v-nottingham-forest-balance-and-more) why the Italian winger missed last weekend’s 2-2 trip to Newcastle United.
> _**“In the game against Como he felt something at the back and it’s a small muscle injury. He is not available,” Iraola explained.**_
While Chiesa was not expected to start against Forest regardless of his fitness, his absence deprives Iraola of an experienced option off the bench.
**Long-term absentees remain sidelined**
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Beyond Chiesa, Liverpool continue to navigate a protracted injury list featuring four long-term casualties:
* **Conor Bradley & Hugo Ekitike:** Both players remain sidelined with serious injuries, with recovery timelines measured in months rather than weeks.
* **Giovanni Leoni:** Summer reports suggested the defender might return to first-team training by late August ahead of a potential September match-fitness target. With days remaining in the month and no official update provided, Leoni has not returned to full training and is completely ruled out.
* **Joe Gomez:** The defender has been absent since limping off five minutes into Liverpool’s opening pre-season fixture against Sunderland. With no definitive return date set by the medical staff, he remains unavailable.
Uncertainty also surrounds Harvey Elliott. Having not been included the match at St James’ Park, Elliott could be omitted from the squad once again to prevent injury risks while potential transfer opportunities are explored before the deadline.
This match marks the end of a 14-week wait for competitive football at Anfield, following the emotional departures of Mo Salah and Andy Robertson in last season’s home finale. While Iraola’s side featured at home during pre-season—suffering a defeat to Monaco before securing a win over Como Saturday represents the true return of Premier League football to L4.
Improving home form is a top priority for Iraola. Liverpool struggled for consistency on home turf last season, dropping crucial points across six losses and six draws at Anfield. Restoring the stadium’s fortress status starting this Saturday will be essential if the new manager is to build momentum and maintain the full backing of the supporters.