2 days ago
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Liverpool have been lifted by the return of first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker for their clash with Nottingham Forest.
However, boss Arne Slot tempered the optimism by confirming that Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley are set for spells on the sidelines during a congested winter schedule.
Both players will miss Saturday's game against Forest, having featured for their countries during the recent international break.
Bradley played the full 90 minutes in Northern Ireland's 1–0 defeat to Slovakia before being withdrawn at half-time in the win over Luxembourg.
Wirtz, meanwhile, impressed for Germany in fixtures against the same opposition.
Bradley's absence leaves Slot with an unwelcome dilemma at right-back, particularly with summer signing Jeremie Frimpong also sidelined.
Arne Slot has revealed that Liverpool will be without Florian Wirtz for Saturday's clash against Nottingham Forest
Northern Ireland captain Conor Bradley has also been ruled out for the match at Anfield and is facing a longer spell on the sidelines
Slot expects the 22-year-old to miss several of Liverpool's upcoming fixtures due to a muscle issue.
'Both muscle issues. I don't expect Conor to be part of the next 22 days,' said the Dutchman.
'Maybe he returns towards the end of that period unless a miracle happens. Florian should be back sooner, it depends how things go but it should not be too long.
'Jeremie is out for a similar timeframe and probably will not be available for the next two or three weeks either. It will be interesting to see who plays at right back.
'Curtis Jones filled in there last season and Joe Gomez has played there as well, but he has only completed 90 minutes in 2025, so asking him to play seven times in 22 days is a risk.'
There is at least positive news for supporters as Liverpool aim to shake off the malaise that saw them fall eight points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal before the break.
Alisson is set to return after missing eight matches with a hamstring injury.
Deputy keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has impressed in his absence, but the Reds will be delighted to have their No 1 back for the visit of Sean Dyche's side.
