Alisson Set to Start vs. Nottingham Forest

Alisson is expected to end a seven-week layoff to start Liverpool’s first game back from the international break – with Nottingham Forest visitors to Anfield on Saturday.

The No. 1 has not been involved since suffering a hamstring injury in the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray on September 30.

But having stepped up his recovery work in recent weeks he is now in line to rejoin his teammates for full training in the buildup to Saturday’s clash with Forest.

Provided he comes through those sessions unscathed he is slated to start for the first time in eight games.

It will be a major boost to Liverpool despite the improving form of Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Alisson could join a strong side looking to put their 3-0 defeat to Man City behind them, with no known injury issues developing during the international break.

Liverpool’s current injury list

Liverpool are believed to only have Giovanni Leoni (ACL) and Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) unavailable at present, along with youngsters Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns (both hamstring).

Speaking before the trip to Man City, Arne Slot confirmed his expectation that Alisson would be fit but ruled Frimpong out for the foreseeable future.

“Alisson, for sure [will return after the break], and I expect Jeremie back after the international break as well – because we play from November until March,” he told reporters.

“But I don’t expect Jeremie to be fully fit for Forest. But with Alisson, we expect this.”

Though the frequency of his injuries are a growing concern for Liverpool, it is without question that, when fit, Alisson is first-choice goalkeeper.

Why Alisson’s return can be pivotal for Liverpool

He was one of the Reds’ top performers prior to his recent setback, even during the back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray which preceded his injury and kicked off a run of seven losses in 10 games.

Slot can hope that restoring Alisson between the sticks can increase Liverpool’s chances of stringing together a much-needed run of victories.

It is timed nicely given the fixture list appears gentler than in recent weeks, with the visit of Forest to be followed by clashes with PSV Eindhoven (home), West Ham (away), Sunderland (home) and Leeds (away).

Alisson was, of course, not part of the Brazil squad for the November break, with Carlo Ancelotti granting him more time to rehab his hamstring.