Premier League 2025-26: Liverpool’s Becker expected to return for Forest clash; Wirtz, Bradley out

Liverpool will welcome goalkeeper Alisson Becker against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, a timely boost for Arne Slot’s side after a stuttering series before the international break. The Brazilian is expected to play at Anfield after a seven-week absence with a hamstring injury as the champions look to regain momentum.

«Alisson can play tomorrow if things go well today,» Slot told reporters on Friday.

However, both Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz are sidelined due to muscle problems picked up during the break, with Bradley expected to miss three weeks.

Liverpool are eighth in the league with 18 points, eight behind leaders Arsenal, and their last game before the international break was a humbling 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. Asked about Liverpool’s possible reinforcement in the January transfer window, Slot said it is the last thing on his mind.

READ ALSO: La Liga 2025-26 – Barcelona hopes return to Camp Nou can boost title defense

«There are still so many games to be played,» he said. “The only focus we have now is winning football games.”

He also shrugged off a question about his team’s chances of retaining the title.

“We don’t think about it or talk about it,” said the Dutchman. “Same as last season when we were top of the league, it’s just about the next game.

«The best way to judge a ranking is after 38 games. The next best way, in my opinion, is after 19 games. Let’s see where we are then.»

EMOTIONS AROUND DIOGO JOTA

Finally, he also discussed the emotional impact of the loss of Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in July. Scotland captain Andy Robertson said after Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 on Tuesday to qualify for the World Cup that he was thinking of his late friend and team-mate “in pieces”.

“I saw the interview live and I know it is a problem for us, which is completely normal,” said Slot. «Right now I always think about what it must feel like for his wife and his children? Because it is so much harder for them than for us. But it is completely clear that we will miss the player and the person.»

Forest frustrated Liverpool last season by winning 1-0 at Anfield and then being held 1-1 at Nottingham, with substitute Jota getting the equalizer

r. “It is good for us to remember him at all times,” Slot added. «It’s impossible to measure what it does to the players and to our results. (But) the last thing I would do is use it as an excuse.»

Published on November 21, 2025