As Liverpool gears up for their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, head coach Arne Slot is encountering what many term a “managerial headache.” Nonetheless, for Slot, this is likely a gratifying challenge, given that he has nearly a full squad available for this Premier League fixture.
With only Harvey Elliott sidelined due to injury, Slot must decide which three players to exclude from the matchday squad. This is a positive issue for the manager as he seeks to sustain Liverpool’s flawless start to the 2024-25 season.
**Key Absences and Returns**
Harvey Elliott remains the sole absentee, undergoing treatment while the season advances. However, Curtis Jones will be available again. Jones, who missed the last two games due to injury, has returned to training and is expected to be part of the squad for the Nottingham Forest match, possibly replacing Elliott on the bench.
Slot will also need to decide on the inclusion of new signing Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger, who joined from Juventus for up to £12.5 million just before the transfer window closed, was not part of the squad for the 3-0 win over Manchester United due to a lack of match fitness. Having trained with his new team, Chiesa could be in line to make his debut.
**Goalkeeper Situation**
Alisson Becker is anticipated to start in goal as usual, having returned from international duty with Brazil. The Brazilian, who played twice during the international break, is Liverpool’s top-choice keeper. Meanwhile, second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is also available after participating in both of the Republic of Ireland’s international matches.
Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper, Vitezslav Jaros, is likely to be one of the three players excluded from the squad due to the presence of Alisson and Kelleher.
**Defensive Options**
In defense, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are expected to start as the centre-back pairing, with Jarell Quansah providing backup. Joe Gomez has yet to play this season and appears to be lower in the hierarchy, though his versatility might still earn him a spot in the squad. Gomez can cover both centre-back and full-back roles, which may be useful if either Kostas Tsimikas or Conor Bradley is omitted.
Slot will also need to decide whether to exclude one of his defenders to accommodate Chiesa if he chooses to strengthen his attacking options.
**Midfield Dilemma**
In midfield, Slot has multiple options. Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo are expected to vie for the No. 6 position, while Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones provide additional choices for more advanced roles. Tyler Morton, who has returned to the squad after two seasons on loan, is training with the first team but has yet to be named to a matchday squad this season. Given the midfield depth, Morton might be left out once more.
**Attack: Salah, Jota, Nunez, Gakpo, and Chiesa**
In attack, Liverpool boasts numerous options. Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo are all available, and Chiesa’s potential inclusion could further enhance an already strong forward line. Slot’s decision will depend on whether he deems Chiesa fit enough to make an impact on his debut.
**Predicted Full Squad for the Nottingham Forest Match**
Here’s the list of players available for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest:
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Jaros.
Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Bradley, Van Dijk, Konate, Quansah, Gomez, Robertson, Tsimikas.
Midfielders: Gravenberch, Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Morton.
Forwards: Salah, Jota, Nunez, Gakpo, Diaz, Chiesa.
With a near-full-strength squad and several key players returning, Slot will aim to extend Liverpool’s winning streak and continue their strong form as they face Nottingham Forest at Anfield this weekend.
