The Premier League champions, who are eighth in the 2025/26 table with 18 points from 11 matches and eight points behind leaders Arsenal, are preparing for seven games in 22 days and are suddenly short of options on the right side of defence.

Liverpool are next in action on Saturday when they host Nottingham Forest in a Premier League encounter at Anfield.

Slot admitted his squad have been hit hard by injuries at a time when performance levels have already fluctuated. "We do have some issues after the international break unfortunately," the Dutchman said.

"Conor Bradley is not able to play, Florian Wirtz is not able to play, so that's far from ideal. Both are muscle issues. I don't expect Conor to be part of the upcoming 22 days unless a miracle happens."

Wirtz, who joined in the summer as part of Liverpool's investment of more than five hundred million pounds, is expected to return sooner, but Slot confirmed that right back remains a major concern. Liverpool are already without Jeremie Frimpong, the recent signing from Bayer Leverkusen, leaving the squad with only five natural defenders available.

"Jeremie is already out, Giovanni Leoni as well," Slot said. "At this moment we have five natural defenders available for seven games in 22 days and I don't see anybody coming back before that."

The position has been unsettled since Trent Alexander-Arnold departed for Real Madrid in 2025. Frimpong, who arrived in a deal worth around thirty million euros, is an attack-minded full-back and Slot has already turned to midfielders to plug the gap. Dominik Szoboszlai has filled in on the right despite being one of Liverpool's best performers this season.

"He's doing so well in every position, at right back, in midfield," Slot said. "Curtis Jones played there last season, Joe Gomez can play there, but he has played 90 minutes twice in 2025, so if we want to keep him available longer it's a risk to play him seven times in 22 days. The good thing is we still have enough good players and maybe one or two will have to play in positions they normally don't."

There was at least positive news for Liverpool: Alisson Becker is ready to return after a hamstring injury suffered against Galatasaray on 30 September. "Alisson trained last week and this week so he will be able to play if things work out tomorrow," Slot said. Andy Robertson is also back after missing training for personal reasons.

Alexander Isak, the club's marquee summer arrival for a British-record fee of one hundred and twenty-six million pounds, has taken time to settle, but Slot urged patience. "A variation in form is normal," he said. "It's harder when you bring players in late. The big issue we've faced is the match fitness and time they missed in pre-season."

Liverpool now enter a decisive stretch short of defenders, but Slot remains confident that the squad have enough depth and adaptability to cope with another reshuffle.

Dan Burn: Newcastle 'full of confidence' ahead of Carabao Cup final