There was not a lot to cheer about when Liverpool drew 0-0 with Leeds United, but Rio Ngumoha’s cameo was positive.
The Reds’ performance, which followed on from poor showings against Tottenham and Wolves, sparked fan debate about replacing Arne Slot in the dugout.
Curtis Jones was among the strugglers, while Florian Wirtz drew a lot of criticism for his showing.
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Arne Slot watches on during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Anfield.
Credit: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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Wirtz missed training prior to Leeds, and his inclusion in the starting eleven came as something of a surprise.
However, Slot has now explained why the German was absent in the build-up to Thursday’s clash.
Florian Wirtz injury latest
Speaking to LFCTV following the 0-0 draw, the Liverpool manager confirmed that Wirtz has actually been dealing with a hamstring issue.
He went on to say how the summer signing’s minutes will need to be managed during what is a busy period for the club.
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Slot said: “It’s a lot to ask for the players who were fit.
“Florian only trained once this week because two days after the game [Wolves], he felt his hamstring still a bit.
“You try to be as careful as you can without ruining your chances of winning the game as much as you can with the schedule coming up because missing out on another one would be an even bigger problem if that’s going to take five, six or seven weeks or longer.
Liverpool will play another eight games across all competitions in January, facing off with Fulham next.
Players will have just two days to recover before clashing with Marco Silva’s side on Sunday, and Slot may need to rotate his eleven again, including resting Wirtz to ensure his injury is not exacerbated.
Rio Ngumoha could feature against Fulham
Liverpool fans have been angry about Slot’s use of Rio Ngumoha this season.
Virgil van Dijk expects big things from Ngumoha, but we have so far seen very little of the rising star in 2025/26.
However, the 17-year-old sensation was brought on against Leeds, and while he was unable to help Liverpool secure the three points, he did create two chances in just 13 minutes of football – more than Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike managed during their time on the pitch.
It’s unlikely Ngumoha will start against Fulham, but a 45-minute cameo off the bench could be ideal for the youngster and allow some of the pressure to be taken off Wirtz.
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