11 Players Could Miss Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool

As Nottingham Forest prepare to host Liverpool at the City Ground in a crucial Premier League clash, both teams face significant injury challenges that could shape the lineup and outcome. Recent reports highlight up to 11 players potentially sidelined, compounding Forest's managerial turmoil and Liverpool's defensive woes.[1][3]

Nottingham Forest's Injury Crisis and Managerial Change

Forest, fresh off a frustrating 0-0 draw with Wolves on February 11, 2026, sacked their third manager of the season, Sean Dyche, just hours later. Vitor Pereira has been appointed as the fourth boss, arriving to rally the squad ahead of this high-stakes fixture against leaders Liverpool.[2][5] Injuries plague the hosts: Douglas Luiz, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Dilane Bakwa, Angus Gunn, Ola Aina, Aaron Bott, and former Red Taiwo Awoniyi are all ruled out. Callum Hudson-Odoi may return, potentially replacing Nicolas Dominguez in a predicted XI featuring Sels in goal, with Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, and Williams at the back; Sangare and Anderson in midfield; and attackers Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, and Jesus up top.[1]

Liverpool's Defensive Injury Blows

Arne Slot's Liverpool, riding high but vulnerable, welcome back key players like a Brazilian star (absent since September) and Alexander Isak after international duty. However, fresh setbacks include Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz out with muscle injuries—Bradley for at least seven games. Long-term absentees Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic, and Jayden Danns remain sidelined. The crisis deepens with Wataru Endo suffering a serious injury, stretchered off in tears during a recent match against Sunderland and ruled out long-term.[1][3]

The match, following Forest's Europa League tie with Fenerbahce, pits a resurgent Liverpool against a desperate Forest fighting relegation. With so many stars missing, tactical adjustments will be key in this pivotal encounter.[2][4] (Word count: 298)