Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a significant selection headache as he welcomes back goalkeeper Alisson Becker, only to be hit with a frustrating double injury blow that leaves his defensive options severely depleted.
Defensive Crisis Deepens for Reds
The international break has proven costly for Liverpool, with Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley both ruled out for the immediate future due to muscle injuries. The situation is particularly acute at right-back, where both Bradley and summer signing Jeremie Frimpong are expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks.
This means the duo could miss up to seven crucial games, including Champions League encounters with PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan, plus Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Sunderland, Leeds, and Brighton.
Alisson's Timely Return Between the Posts
In a rare piece of positive news, Slot confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper Alisson is fit and set to start against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The Brazilian has been absent for Liverpool's last eight matches with a hamstring injury sustained in the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray.
His return comes despite an impressive performance from deputy Giorgi Mamardashvili, who saved a penalty from Manchester City's Erling Haaland in his most recent outing. Slot was unequivocal about his selection plans, stating: "If Alisson is able to play, he will start."
Slot's Selection Conundrum
The absence of specialist right-backs presents Slot with a tactical puzzle. He acknowledged the challenge directly, saying, "It's going to be interesting who you want to see as a right full-back."
Dominik Szoboszlai has previously filled the role admirably during wins over Newcastle and Arsenal earlier this season. However, with Wirtz now injured, the Hungarian midfielder may be needed further forward.
Other options include midfielder Curtis Jones, who played in defence last season, and versatile defender Joe Gomez. Slot expressed caution about overusing Gomez, noting the player has only completed 90 minutes twice throughout 2025 and might not be ready for seven games in 22 days.
The injury represents another setback for Florian Wirtz, Liverpool's £100 million signing who has yet to register a Premier League goal or assist during his difficult start at Anfield. Meanwhile, Frimpong, who has made just one Premier League start since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, was injured during the 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Slot provided specific timelines for his absent players, indicating he doesn't expect Bradley to feature in the next 22 days "unless a miracle happens," while Wirtz's absence "shouldn't have to be that long."
