The Premier League is back after the international break, but Liverpool faces Nottingham Forest with a depleted squad. Manager Arne Slot confirmed that Florian Wirtz, Conor Bradley, and Jeremie Frimpong will be unavailable for selection.

Florian Wirtz, the high-profile summer signing, is sidelined with a muscle problem that could keep him out for several weeks. This is a significant blow for Liverpool, as Wirtz was expected to play a key role in Slot's plans. Despite the setback, the club stands by its decision to sign the German international, with President Tom Werner emphasizing Wirtz's exceptional talent and potential to be a Ballon d'Or contender. Wirtz is yet to score a Premier League goal or make assist for Liverpool.

Conor Bradley is also out of action, with Slot suggesting it would take a 'miracle' for him to return in the coming weeks. The absence of Bradley and Frimpong leaves Liverpool short at right-back. Frimpong, who has made just one Premier League start since joining from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, is expected to be out for two to three weeks after sustaining an injury in the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Slot has acknowledged the challenge of finding a suitable replacement at right-back. Dominik Szoboszlai has filled in the right-back position previously.

Liverpool lost their last match before the international break 3-0 against Manchester City. The Reds are currently eight points behind leaders Arsenal, who play Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. A win against Nottingham Forest would allow Liverpool to close the gap and put pressure on their title rivals. Despite the injury concerns, Slot remains focused on returning to winning ways and is not thinking about the title race at this moment. Nottingham Forest have shown signs of improvement since the appointment of their new coach.