10 Players Who Could Miss Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool After Arne Slot's Injury Update

Liverpool FC heads into a crucial Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest's City Ground on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2pm GMT, severely depleted by injuries. Manager Arne Slot provided a stark update in his pre-match press conference, confirming multiple key absences as the Reds, currently sixth with 42 points from 26 games, fight for Champions League qualification[1][2][3].

Liverpool's Injury Crisis

Slot revealed that Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined with a groin/thigh injury from last month's Champions League game against Qarabag, missing his fifth straight match. "Jeremie will not be involved this weekend, but we hope next week against West Ham if things go as planned," Slot said[1][2][3].

Wataru Endo faces a lengthy absence after being stretchered off in the recent Sunderland win with an ankle injury. "Wata will be out for a long time; we don't know exactly how long," the Dutch coach confirmed[1][3].

Long-term doubts include Alexander Isak (ankle and fibula issues), who's only recently started light training; Conor Bradley (knee, likely out for season); and Giovanni Leoni (ACL tear)[2][3]. That's five confirmed first-team absentees, leaving Liverpool undermanned after their 3-0 home loss to Forest in November[1][2].

Positive news: Joe Gomez is fit to start post-recovery, with 19 players training ahead of the trip and no new issues[3][4]. Predicted XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike, Gakpo[1].

Nottingham Forest's Boost

Under new boss Vitor Pereira (fourth manager this season), Forest could gain from injuries to Liverpool, though their own list features Willy Boly, Nicolo Savona, Matz Sels, John Victor, and Chris Wood[3][5]. Pereira emphasized rest amid a tight schedule.

The match, live on Sky Sports, is pivotal—dropped points could hurt Liverpool's top-four push against rivals like Chelsea and Manchester United[1].

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