Arne Slot issues an alarming injury update ahead of the crowded holiday fixture list.

It seems every international break brings fresh problems, but few would have predicted the scale of the latest setback Arne Slot confirmed. Speaking to the media, the Dutchman revealed that Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz “can’t play” against Nottingham Forest, calling the situation “far from ideal.”

The timing couldn’t be worse, arriving just as Liverpool hoped for a smoother path through a packed fixture list.

Liverpool dealt double blow as Wirtz and Bradley sidelined

Wirtz’s absence adds another complication during a period when his adaptation has already drawn scrutiny in Germany. Only days ago, Sport Bild questioned his “quiet start”, partly blaming the attacking setup around him and even suggesting Mo Salah had “overlooked” him at times.

Now that criticism collides with a muscle problem that, according to Slot, “maybe should not be that long,” but losing the 22-year-old playmaker removes a key creative spark at a moment when chances have been limited.

Bradley’s issue is even more serious. The Northern Ireland full-back is expected to miss “22 days” unless, as Slot put it, “a miracle happens.”

Position reshuffles possible amid heavy schedule

With Jeremie Frimpong also out, Slot admitted that “one or two players may have to play in positions they usually don’t.” Bradley’s injury comes right after discussions about his own versatility, following his unusual advanced role for his country this week.

That experiment had already sparked ideas about evolving his responsibilities this season, but now Liverpool will have to repurpose someone else to fill in. Joe Gomez was name-checked, though Slot noted the defender has only completed “two times 90 minutes in 2025,” raising concerns over workload.

With such a crowded injury picture, Liverpool have little room for error over the next three weeks. After the Manchester City loss exposed the need for dependable options across the pitch, losing two more key players carries real weight.

There was at least some good news: Alisson Becker has returned to full training, and Andy Robertson is also back with the group.

Still, the contrast between those positives and the loss of Bradley and Wirtz shows how quickly fortunes can shift during a season.

As Slot summed it up, “we do have some issues after the international break,” and with tactical tweaks now unavoidable, the upcoming matches may reveal more about Liverpool’s flexibility than any earlier win this campaign.