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Arne Slot’s Liverpool head into a crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest with plenty to think about. The focus is not only on the three points at stake at the City Ground but also on the growing injury list and the progress of key players working their way back to fitness.
Arne Slot addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s 2pm GMT kick-off and provided clear updates on Jeremie Frimpong, Wataru Endo, Joe Gomez and Alexander Isak. Some news was frustrating, some encouraging, and some simply a reminder that recovery at the highest level takes time.
Jeremie Frimpong: Nottingham Forest Comes Too Soon
There had been quiet hope that Jeremie Frimpong might return to the squad for the trip to Nottingham Forest. That hope has now been ruled out. The Dutch full-back has been sidelined since picking up a muscle injury during last month’s Champions League fixture against Qarabag at Anfield. He was forced off that night and has not featured since.
Slot confirmed that the weekend fixture arrives too early for him.
“Jeremie will not be involved this weekend yet,”
He added:
“We hope he will be involved next week [against West Ham United] if things go as planned.”
That wording gives supporters something to hold on to. The situation is not long term, but it is also not something the club are rushing. Muscle injuries can easily flare up if a player returns too quickly, especially in a demanding system that asks full-backs to cover serious ground both defensively and offensively.
From a tactical perspective, Frimpong’s absence has been felt. His pace, direct running and ability to stretch the opposition give Liverpool width and energy on the right side. Slot will need to rely on alternative options once again against Forest, but the expectation is that Frimpong could be back in contention for the following Premier League fixture against West Ham. For now, patience remains the message.
Wataru Endo: A Long Road Ahead
While Frimpong’s update carried cautious optimism, the news on Wataru Endo was far less encouraging. Asked about the Japanese midfielder’s condition, Slot did not hide the seriousness of the situation.
“No, Wata will be out for a long time, as I said earlier. We don’t know exactly how long – but long.”
That brief response speaks volumes. When a manager openly admits that the timeline is unclear and describes it as long, it usually signals a significant setback.
Endo has been a reliable presence in midfield, often doing the unseen work that allows others to flourish. His positional awareness, discipline and ability to break up play have been key in high-pressure matches. Losing him for an extended period means Liverpool must find balance elsewhere in the middle of the park.
It also increases the physical burden on the remaining midfielders, especially with a packed Premier League schedule and European commitments. Squad rotation becomes more complicated, and younger players may be asked to step up sooner than expected. Endo himself, the uncertainty will be tough. Not knowing exactly how long you will be out can be mentally draining. But Slot’s honesty at least sets clear expectations for supporters.
Joe Gomez: Ready to Start
There was more positive news regarding Joe Gomez. The defender has recently returned to action as a substitute, and questions were raised about whether he is now ready to start matches again.
Slot’s answer was straightforward.
“Yeah, I think he is.”
That short statement is significant. Gomez’s versatility across the back line makes him an important option, especially during periods of injury disruption. Whether deployed at centre-back or full-back, he brings composure and athleticism.
If he starts against Nottingham Forest, it would mark another important step in his comeback journey. For Liverpool, having Gomez fully available adds depth and competition at the back, something every title-chasing side needs during the run-in.
Alexander Isak: Back on the Pitch
One of the most talked-about updates involved Alexander Isak. Liverpool’s No.9 has not played since December after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. The injury occurred while he was scoring in the 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur, a moment that now feels like a distant memory. There has finally been visible progress.
Slot revealed that Isak has returned to the pitch, though not yet in football boots.
“Alex, I think he has been on the pitch now, not with his football shoes but with his running shoes, for the first time this week, so that will still take a while as well before he is ready to play for us again.”
That image matters. For any player recovering from long-term injury, stepping back onto the grass is a milestone. It signals the transition from pure gym-based rehabilitation to sport-specific conditioning.
Slot also gave an honest response when asked about the mental boost of returning to the pitch.
“I’m not sure if I educate you now but it’s not [that] before they go on the pitch that they are just laying in bed 24 hours a day, they also come to the training ground and do their work and do their gym work and do their rehab already.”
He continued:
“But I think it’s nice for him to go on the pitch, it’s nice for us to see him there because, there’s still a lot of work to be done, but you do know as a player, you arrive in the final stages of your rehab [when you get back onto the pitch], where as long as you’re in the gym you are not on the pitch yet, that’s not the nicest part.”
There is realism in that assessment. Being back on the pitch does not mean being ready for match action. The next steps are individual ball work, then partial group training, then full integration. Only after that comes match fitness.
Managing Expectations Around Isak
Slot was careful not to create unrealistic expectations around Isak’s return. The striker has been out for months, and that absence changes everything in terms of rhythm and sharpness.
“If a player has been out for four or five months only with individual training, you cannot expect that – at the level we are playing here – he is up to speed straight away.”
He added:
“Unfortunately for him and for us, we haven’t used the best Alex yet, but this club and our fans will see the best Alex hopefully this season but for sure in the upcoming years.”
That message is important. Liverpool are not just thinking about the next few weeks. They are thinking long term. The aim is not simply to get Isak back, but to get him back at his best.
When pressed on a timeline, Slot offered cautious guidance without committing to exact dates.
“It will be somewhere around there and then it’s always the question if things go really well or if he gets a little bit of a setback.”
He clarified further:
“So, it will be around that period of time – end of March, start of April when he’s hopefully back with the group.”
Even then, returning to the group does not mean starting matches immediately. Slot reminded everyone that previous long layoffs showed it can take time before Isak truly looks like himself again.
What This Means for Liverpool’s Season
As Liverpool prepare for Nottingham Forest, the injury picture remains mixed. Frimpong is close but not quite ready. Endo faces a long spell out. Gomez appears prepared to start. Isak is progressing, with hopes of a late-season return around March or early April.
For Arne Slot, the challenge is balancing urgency with caution. The Premier League table does not wait, but neither does the risk of re-injury if players are rushed. The positive takeaway is that progress is being made. Rehabilitation is on track for Isak. Frimpong is nearing involvement. Gomez is available. The squad is not standing still.
Injuries are part of football, especially at the intensity Liverpool operate. What matters now is how the team adapts, how the returning players are reintegrated, and how the manager manages expectations.
If Slot’s words are any guide, the focus is clear. Do not rush. Tick each box. Trust the process. And when key players do return, make sure they are ready to make the impact everyone knows they can. Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest will be another test. But with careful management and steady progress on the injury front, Liverpool still have plenty to play for in the months ahead.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com