Mohamed Salah dropped as 'outstanding' player returns: Liverpool's predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
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Liverpool's Predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest: Mohamed Salah Dropped as Joe Gomez Returns
Ahead of Liverpool's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, February 22, 2026 (2pm GMT, Sky Sports), manager Arne Slot faces key selection dilemmas at right-back and in attack.[1][3][5]
Right-back Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined with a groin injury from last month's Champions League game against Qarabag, missing his fifth straight match. Slot hopes he'll return for next week's West Ham visit. Midfielder Wataru Endo faces a lengthy absence after injury against Sunderland. Others out include Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak, and Leoni.[1][3][5]
Joe Gomez is back and "ready to start," potentially reclaiming his spot and displacing Ibrahima Konate. This return prompts questions over Dominik Szoboszlai's role, recently shifted to right-back in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, where Curtis Jones also impressed at right-back with a goal.[1][3][4][5]
Despite chasing a record 93rd Premier League assist (level with Steven Gerrard), Mohamed Salah could be surprisingly dropped. The article predicts Ryan Gravenberch returns to midfield, benching Jones or Alexis Mac Allister. Up top, Hugo Ekitike replaces Federico Chiesa, joining Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo.[1][3]
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1):
- Alisson
- Szoboszlai, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson
- Gravenberch, Jones
- Wirtz, Ekitike, Gakpo (Salah benched)
This setup aims to rotate after recent exertions, amid a tight top-four race. Liverpool lost 3-0 to Forest at Anfield earlier this season; Forest's new boss Vitor Pereira debuts post-Europa League win.[1][5]
Alternative predictions keep Salah, with Jones at right-back and Konate starting.[2]
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