Liverpool will be without Florian Wirtz for their upcoming meetings with Wolverhampton Wanderers after Arne Slot confirmed the midfielder is unlikely to recover in time from a back injury that has already kept him out of recent fixtures.
The Germany international has not featured since picking up the issue during the warm-up ahead of Liverpool’s win over Nottingham Forest, and the problem continues to rule him out as the Premier League leaders prepare for consecutive trips to Molineux in both the league and FA Cup.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s match, Slot indicated that neither fixture is expected to come soon enough for the 22-year-old.
“The game tomorrow probably comes too early, and maybe the weekend as well,’’ the Liverpool manager said.
“We hope he can come back with the squad next week’’
Wirtz’s absence interrupts what had been one of his strongest periods since arriving at Anfield last summer. The attacking midfielder had grown into a central figure in Slot’s side, contributing goals and assists during a productive spell at the turn of the year before the injury disrupted his rhythm.
Slot admitted the setback has been frustrating for both the player and club, particularly given how well the former Bayer Leverkusen star had adapted to the demands of English football.
“He has done really well physically since coming here,” Slot added. “That says a lot about his mentality because the physicality here is different. Of course, it is disappointing when someone in that form has to stop.’’
There was at least some encouragement elsewhere for Liverpool, with Jeremie Frimpong returning to action from the bench in the recent win over West Ham after a spell out.
Slot welcomed the added depth to the squad but suggested the Dutch full-back will be eased back carefully as time goes on.
Liverpool are to play Wolves twice at the same stadium within four days, first in the Premier League before meeting again in the FA Cup.
Without Wirtz, responsibility will once again fall on Liverpool’s attacking depth as they look to remain flying in both competitions.
The club remain optimistic that the midfielder’s absence will be short-term, with a return pencilled in for next week if recovery continues as expected.
