Liverpool's Becker expected to return for Forest clash, but Wirtz, Bradley out

LIVERPOOL :Liverpool are set to welcome back goalkeeper Alisson Becker against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, a timely lift for Arne Slot's side after a stuttering run before the international break. 

The Brazilian is expected to play at Anfield following a seven-week absence with a hamstring injury as the champions seek to regain momentum.

"Alisson will be able to play tomorrow if things work out well today," Slot told reporters on Friday.

However, both Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz are sidelined with muscle issues picked up in the break, with Bradley expected to miss three weeks.

Liverpool languish eighth in the league on 18 points, eight behind leaders Arsenal, and their final game before the international break was a humbling 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Asked about Liverpool potentially shoring up their squad in January's transfer window, Slot said that is the last thing on his mind.

"There are so many games to be played before that," he said. "The only focus we have right now is winning games of football."

He also shrugged off a question about his team's chances of retaining the title. 

"We are not thinking or talking about it," the Dutchman said. "Same last season when we were top of the league, it is just about the next game.

"The best way to judge a league table is after 38 games. The next best, in my opinion, is after 19 games. Let's see where we are then."

EMOTIONS AROUND DIOGO JOTA

Slot also addressed the emotional impact of losing Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in July. Scotland captain Andy Robertson said after Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 on Tuesday to qualify for the World Cup that he was "in bits" thinking about his late friend and teammate.

"I saw the interview live and I know that it is an issue for us,