Wirtz Injury Blow Could Derail Liverpool's Champions League Dreams
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed Florian Wirtz will miss Saturday's clash against West Ham United, stating he has "no clue" regarding the German's return date.
Wirtz sustained a back injury during the warm-up prior to last week's triumph over Nottingham Forest, though Slot was initially optimistic the impressive midfielder would recover well ahead of West Ham's visit to Anfield on Saturday. Regrettably, circumstances have shifted.
"Don't anticipate Florian being ready," Slot revealed at his pre-match media briefing. "That's disappointing, naturally. Whenever my player is unavailable it's a setback and something I didn't foresee after last week. Sometimes, that's how situations can develop—sadly, this time, not positively.
"No [timeline for recovery]. Right now, no. Typically, when I say that, I do have knowledge but prefer not to reveal it, however now I genuinely don't know.
"In my view, it's already a significant achievement that he remained healthy for such an extended period because he had to adapt from his previous environment to Liverpool, to the Premier League, and that he stayed injury-free throughout shows you much about the attitude and dedication of the player and the medical team.
"Sadly, last week and this week he is unavailable and that's certainly disappointing for him, but absolutely also for us because he performed exceptionally, exceptionally, exceptionally, exceptionally well recently.
How Can Liverpool Replace Wirtz?
How Can Liverpool Replace Wirtz?
With only moments to respond to Wirtz's last-minute exclusion from the lineup last weekend, Curtis Jones was brought into the attacking midfield position. His disappointing display was among several problems in a victory which Slot has acknowledged Liverpool didn't merit.
Now that Slot has had additional time to strategize, anticipate a different approach against West Ham, though injury concerns elsewhere in the squad certainly restrict the Liverpool manager's choices.
Dominik Szoboszlai is the favored substitute in that central attacking midfield position—he's been Liverpool's standout performer this season by considerable distance—but has been required to cover at right back due to a complete absence of options in that area.
Jeremie Frimpong has recovered from injury and is available again, but Slot must determine whether the summer acquisition is sufficiently fit to start or whether Szoboszlai will continue to be required in defense.
Other possibilities for Slot include Alexis Mac Allister, whose movement forward from defensive midfield would, in turn, require replacement, or an uncomfortable forcing of a winger into a central position. Supporters hope to see young Rio Ngumoha receive more playing time but the 17-year-old is considerably more effective in wide areas, while none of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo or Federico Chiesa would seem natural as a No. 10.
The Knock-on Effect on Liverpool's Champions League Hopes
The Knock-on Effect on Liverpool's Champions League Hopes
It was hardly surprising that Liverpool delivered their most disappointing performance in months on the day they were without the impressive Wirtz.
The German has excelled so far in 2026, seemingly having finally adapted to Premier League football, and has recorded five goals and two assists across all competitions in the past two months. He has provided a significant boost to a Liverpool team still seeking consistency.
Slot's team remains sixth in the Premier League standings, beyond the Champions League qualification places, and cannot afford more lackluster displays which will certainly be punished eventually.
"We must win many matches, because other clubs will and that is our priority," Slot admitted. "Not particularly about points and margins though we are conscious of our position."
Without Wirtz, Liverpool's quest to accumulate those victories will be significantly more challenging. Supporters will be hoping that his uncertain absence doesn't continue much longer.