Arne Slot Set to Hand Out a First Liverpool Start for Two Months Against Nottingham Forest

Arne Slot is poised to make key changes to Liverpool's lineup for their Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest's City Ground on Sunday, February 22, 2026, handing a first start in over two months to a key squad member amid injury woes.[1][2]

The Dutch manager confirmed Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined with a groin injury from last month's Champions League tie against Qarabag, ruling him out this weekend but hoping for his return against West Ham next week. Wataru Endo faces a lengthy absence after being forced off against Sunderland recently.[2][4][5] Long-term absentees include Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak, and Giovanni Leoni.[2][5]

With right-back options limited, Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to shift to the position after impressing there in the recent 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, where Curtis Jones also featured successfully at right-back and scored.[1][4] Joe Gomez is fit and "ready to start," potentially partnering Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk in defense, with Milos Kerkez or Andy Robertson at left-back.[2][3]

Midfield could see Ryan Gravenberch return, partnering Alexis Mac Allister or Jones, while attack features Mohamed Salah chasing a record 93rd Premier League assist, Florian Wirtz centrally, Cody Gakpo on the left, and Hugo Ekitike up top in place of Federico Chiesa.[1][2][4] Alisson Becker retains his spot in goal.[1]

This predicted XI—Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté/Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez/Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister/Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike—aims to avenge Liverpool's earlier 0-3 home loss to Forest, who now have new boss Vítor Pereira in the dugout. Forest also battle injuries to players like Chris Wood and Willy Boly.[1][2][5] The match, live on Sky Sports at 2pm GMT, is crucial in the top-four race.[2]

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