Image Credits: Imago Images
The international break was supposed to provide Liverpool’s squad with a much-needed breather amid a gruelling fixture schedule, but for Florian Wirtz, it delivered yet another setback.
The German playmaker returned to Merseyside nursing a muscle injury sustained while on duty with Germany during their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Arne Slot confirmed the news ahead of the Reds’ Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest last week, revealing that both Wirtz and Conor Bradley had picked up injuries while representing their respective nations.
“Conor is unable to participate, and Florian is also out—it’s certainly not ideal,” Slot remarked. “Both are dealing with muscle issues”.
Unlike Bradley, whose hamstring problem is expected to keep him sidelined until mid-December, Wirtz’s injury was initially deemed minor.
Slot expressed optimism that his £116m summer signing would return swiftly, stating:
“Florian should be fit to play after [the Forest game]. It depends on how things progress, but it shouldn’t take too long”.
However, Wirtz was once again absent from training at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday afternoon and did not make the squad in the PSV defeat.
Now speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arne Slot has provided a fresh update on the play maker, as well as the likes of Alisson Becker (missed PSV game through illness) and Hugo Ekitike (back concern):
“Alisson trained with the team, we hope and expect him to be fit.”
“Florian will have final rehab day tomorrow, so could train on Saturday if all goes well.”
“Hugo, today was recovery but they don’t expect it to be a big issue. Let’s see, games come fast but it shouldn’t be an issue.”
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