⚽ Liverpool XI vs Nottingham Forest – Team News & Latest Updates
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot faces a selection headache for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, February 22, 2026. With Liverpool juggling domestic and European commitments, plus a spate of injuries, squad rotation and key absences are major talking points as the Reds prepare for what could be a tricky trip.
🔴 Injury Latest
The injury situation at Liverpool remains challenging, with several first-team players unavailable:
- Jeremie Frimpong has been ruled out of the match through injury. The right-back has been struggling with a groin problem and won’t feature this weekend, though Slot hopes he’ll be available soon after.
- Wataru Endo faces a significant layoff after picking up a foot injury in the recent match versus Sunderland, likely ruling him out for a number of weeks.
- Alexander Isak isn’t yet fit to play. While he recently resumed running in training, he’s still some way off match fitness.
- Defenders Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain long-term absentees.
With those outs, Slot must make tactical choices, particularly in defence and midfield where his options are limited.
🔥 Confirmed & Predicted Liverpool XI
Based on the latest news and squad availability, here’s how Liverpool are likely to line up against Nottingham Forest:
Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):
- GK: Alisson
- DEF: Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Andy Robertson
- MID: Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah
- FOR: Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, Szoboszlai or Gravenberch depending on midfield balance
This prediction puts emphasis on experience and adaptability – Joe Gomez is expected to slot back into the right-back role in the absence of Frimpong and Bradley, while Gravenberch could anchor midfield if Endo’s absence is prolonged. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo will carry most of the creative and goal-threat duties up front.
📊 Tactical Notes
Liverpool’s style under Slot typically involves aggressive pressing and wide play. However, with defenders out and midfield options stretched, Slot may opt for a slightly more cautious approach, focusing on possession control and reducing exposure to Forest’s transitions.
Nottingham Forest, under their new manager Vítor Pereira, are battling to stay above the relegation zone and are expected to set up compactly, looking to frustrate Liverpool and hit them on the break. Forest’s own injury concerns — particularly in goal with Matz Sels expected to miss out — could shape their defensive setup and boost Liverpool’s chances to dominate territory.
📝 Conclusion
This fixture represents a crucial battleground for Liverpool’s Premier League ambitions. While injuries weaken Slot’s choices, the Reds still possess enough quality to control the match and secure valuable points. How Slot balances youth and experience, especially in defence, could be decisive against a Nottingham Forest side eager to grind out a result at home.
