The Real Reason Liverpool Fans Won't See Florian Wirtz Against Nottingham Forest
Following his inclusion in Liverpool's starting lineup for Sunday's Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest, Florian Wirtz was compelled to make a last-minute exit after sustaining an injury during pre-match preparations.
This setback arrives at an unfortunate moment for Wirtz. The expensive summer signing had been experiencing his finest spell of form in Liverpool colors, overcoming initial scrutiny to consistently deliver in crucial attacking positions. After notably failing to find the net or register a Premier League assist in his opening 15 league appearances, Wirtz has been directly involved in six goals across his most recent 10 top-flight matches.
Forest were poised to encounter this rejuvenated version of the German midfielder until a sudden injury necessitated his immediate substitution. Curtis Jones, a player whose professional journey has involved tempering his natural offensive tendencies, was selected to step into Wirtz's role in Arne Slot's 4-2-3-1 formation.
Moments after the opening whistle, he surrendered possession following hesitation on the ball.
Liverpool's Confirmed XI vs. Nottingham Forest
Liverpool's Confirmed XI vs. Nottingham Forest
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo; Hugo Ekitiké.
Substitutes: Freddie Woodman (GK), Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK), Andy Robertson, Calvin Ramsay, Joe Gomez, Trey Nyoni, Federico Chiesa, Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha.
Wirtz Gives Slot Another Selection Headache
Wirtz Gives Slot Another Selection Headache
Slot had already entered Liverpool's journey to the City Ground facing a right-back conundrum. The Liverpool manager had confirmed before the match that Jeremie Frimpong would remain unavailable for at least another week, thereby eliminating the most obvious replacement for Wirtz.
Dominik Szoboszlai was again deployed in an uncomfortable right-back position on Sunday. The Hungarian midfielder could potentially have switched roles with Jones—who found the net from that position against Brighton & Hove Albion in last weekend's FA Cup fixture—but this would still leave Slot with a midfielder operating in defense.
There was insufficient time for a pre-match assessment of Wirtz's condition given the sudden onset of his discomfort, though Liverpool benefit from a fixture-free week to restore the German to full fitness before West Ham United visit Anfield on Saturday, Feb. 28. The pressures of the match schedule return shortly thereafter with two encounters against Wolverhampton Wanderers within four days to begin March, followed by the opening leg of Liverpool's Champions League round-of-16 clash.