Nottingham Forest Injuries vs Liverpool: Vitor Pereira Offers Hint to Arne Slot

As Nottingham Forest prepare to host Liverpool at the City Ground in a crucial Premier League clash, new manager Vitor Pereira faces a mounting injury crisis with five key players sidelined, while offering subtle tactical insights ahead of his first league game in charge[2]. Fresh off a 3-0 Europa League win over Fenerbahce, Forest sit precariously in the relegation battle, making this matchup against Arne Slot's fourth-placed Reds pivotal[2].

Forest's Injury Woes

Forest will be without goalkeeper Matz Sels (muscle injury) and John Victor (knee), severely testing their defensive depth. Defender Willy Boly (knee) and star forward Chris Wood (knee) are also confirmed out, depriving Pereira of aerial prowess and goal threat. Youngster Nicolò Savona (knee) remains a doubt, potentially forcing experimental lineup choices[2]. Pereira hinted at resilience, praising the squad's depth post-Europa success and suggesting a high-pressing game to counter Liverpool's midfield dominance led by Dominik Szoboszlai[2].

Liverpool's Absences and Updates

Arne Slot confirmed several Liverpool stars will miss the trip. Jeremie Frimpong (thigh/muscle) is out but eyed for a February 28 return against West Ham; Slot noted, "We hope he will be involved next week if things go as planned[1][3]." Wataru Endo (ankle) faces a prolonged absence, with Slot adding, "Wata will be out for a long time[3]."

• Alexander Isak (lower leg/ankle): Targets March 21 return after stepping up recovery[1][2].
• Conor Bradley (knee): Ruled out for the season post-surgery[1][2].
• Giovanni Leoni (ACL/knee): Unknown return for the promising teen[1][2].
• Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring): Also sidelined[2].

Positively, Joe Gomez is ready to start after substitute appearances, and 19 players trained ahead of the February 20, 2026, fixture (2pm GMT kick-off, referee Anthony Taylor)[2][3][4].

Liverpool, three points off fourth and chasing Champions League spots, cannot afford inconsistency against a combative Forest midfield featuring Elliot Anderson and Ibrahim Sangaré. Pereira's hint? Exploit Liverpool's vulnerabilities with physicality[2].