Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that midfielder Florian Wirtz suffered a minor back injury during the warm-up prior to Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, but does not anticipate a prolonged absence for the German international.
Wirtz, who was initially named in the starting lineup at the City Ground, was replaced by Curtis Jones shortly before kickoff after experiencing discomfort. Slot addressed the issue in post-match comments, stating, “He felt his back in the warm-up. We don’t think it’s serious. He wasn’t able to be 100% or close enough to it to start.” Slot added that he hopes Wirtz will be available for selection again next week.
The injury prevented Wirtz from featuring in a match Liverpool ultimately won with a 97th-minute goal from Alexis Mac Allister. However, the performance as a whole was described as labored, with Slot acknowledging the team’s struggles. The absence of Wirtz, a summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, was keenly felt, particularly in the creative department.
Liverpool invested £116.5 million ($157.4 million) in Wirtz, a figure that initially drew scrutiny. However, the midfielder has begun to demonstrate his quality in recent weeks, contributing five goals and two assists. His absence against Forest highlighted his growing importance to the team’s attacking fluidity.
While Jones stepped in to replace Wirtz, Liverpool’s overall attacking output suffered. According to reports, Jones did not create a single chance during his time on the pitch, a stark contrast to Wirtz’s recent form, where he has created seven chances in his last four appearances. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah also failed to create any opportunities, with the latter being substituted in the 77th minute.
The introduction of 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha in Salah’s place provided a late spark, ultimately contributing to Mac Allister’s winning goal. However, the overall performance underscored Wirtz’s value to the team, even without him actively participating in the match.
Slot is eager to have Wirtz back in contention for the upcoming fixture against West Ham United. The manager expressed confidence that the midfielder will require only a short period of rest before returning to training and reclaiming his place in Liverpool’s midfield.
