Arne Slot has revealed that neither Conor Bradley nor Florian Wirtz will be available for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest, and beyond, after their international exploits.
Liverpool’s injury list had started to dwindle, but the November international break has dealt a blow ahead of an intense run of seven games in 22 days across all competitions.
With Slot only expected to deliver positive news on Alisson‘s availability, he instead delivered an unwanted injury update for Bradley and Wirtz, who both returned from the break with muscle injuries.
Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz injury update
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on the eve of Forest’s visit, Slot told reporters: “We do have some issues after the international break.
“Conor Bradley is not able to play and Florian Wirtz is unable to play. That’s far from ideal.”
On their issues, he explained: “Both are muscle issues. I don’t expect Conor to be part of the upcoming 22 days, maybe at the end, unless a miracle happens, which I don’t expect.
“Florian shouldn’t be that long.”
With Jeremie Frimpong still unavailable for the next few weeks with a hamstring injury, it leaves Slot needing to find a solution at right-back.
The head coach conceded that players will “have to play in positions they usually don’t,” as he name-checked Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez as possible candidates.
The latter missed training on Thursday but is expected to be involved in Friday’s session, underlining that he cannot play successive games without a break.
“We have five defenders available for seven games in 22 days, and I don’t see anyone coming back before that,” Slot added.
Alisson fit to return vs. Nottingham Forest
The good news, though, is that Alisson is fit to return to the starting lineup after a seven-week absence with a hamstring injury.
He has trained as normal since last week and barring any issue arising on Friday will be fit to start at Anfield.
Slot confirmed: “Alisson trained last week and this week, so he will be able to play tomorrow if things work out well again today (Friday).”
Andy Robertson, meanwhile, did not train for “private reasons” but is expected to be back with the group on Friday.