Arne Slot Drops Major Update on Florian Wirtz's Comeback Timeline for Liverpool
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has stated he anticipates midfielder Florian Wirtz won't be sidelined for an extended period following the German's injury sustained during preparations for Sunday's triumph against Nottingham Forest.
Wirtz was initially included in Slot's starting eleven but was ultimately substituted by Curtis Jones at the final moment after experiencing a back problem during warm-ups. Though the issue was significant enough to rule him out of the hard-fought 1–0 victory, Slot doesn't anticipate Wirtz missing additional matches.
"He experienced discomfort in his back during warm-ups," Slot explained following the victory. "We believe it's not severe. He couldn't reach 100% or get close enough to warrant starting.
"Having spent six months in this competition, he understands that regardless of your technical ability, you must be at full capacity. We're optimistic he'll rejoin us next week."
Wirtz's Influence Missed in Uncomfortable Victory
Wirtz's Influence Missed in Uncomfortable Victory
Although this campaign started with substantial doubts regarding Liverpool's choice to invest £116.5 million ($157.4 million) in Wirtz, those skeptical opinions have started to diminish in recent weeks.
Wirtz has accumulated five goals and two assists in 2026, demonstrating clear evidence of adapting to English football and delivering some of his best displays in a Liverpool jersey—the type of excellence that was notably absent against Forest on Sunday.
Without Wirtz, Liverpool delivered what Slot acknowledged was potentially their poorest display of his management, requiring a 97th-minute goal from Alexis Mac Allister to secure a victory their own coach admitted they didn't merit.
It would be simple to blame Jones, Wirtz's direct substitute in the formation, for the shortcomings. The 25-year-old failed to generate a single opportunity during his appearance—Wirtz has produced seven in his previous four matches—but the truth is that sluggishness affected the entire Liverpool team.
Cody Gakpo similarly couldn't create an opportunity, while Mohamed Salah provided just one chance before his substitution in the 77th minute. Replacing the Egyptian, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha became the spark of energy desperately required to eventually claim victory.
Slot Eager to Welcome Wirtz Back Into Lineup
Slot Eager to Welcome Wirtz Back Into Lineup
It was one of those matches that highlighted Wirtz's importance to Liverpool without the German needing to touch the ball.
Liverpool understands that such a performance standard won't suffice for Champions League qualification and Slot will expect instant improvement when the squad faces West Ham United next weekend.
Slot appears confident that Wirtz will return to availability, requiring only a couple of days to recover before returning to training and reclaiming his position at the heart of Liverpool's midfield which he has established as his own during the season's latter half.