Florian Wirtz. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)placeholder image
Florian Wirtz. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Florian Wirtz scored in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Fulham before being substituted.
Arne Slot is trying to manage Florian Wirtz’s minutes to ensure he is not added to the Liverpool treatment table.
The attacking midfielder scored his second Reds goal in the 2-2 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Wirtz equalised on 57 minutes, with his goal standing after a lengthy VAR check having initially been ruled offside.
Wirtz was also withdrawn against Fulham. With Hugo Ekitike (hamstring), Alexander Isak (broken leg) and Mo Salah (African Cup of Nations) all absent, Liverpool boss Slot was short of attacking players at Craven Cottage. And while Wirtz has only had delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), he is being managed as the Reds now turn their attention to a trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday.
Slot said at his post-match press conference: “Florian had the same last week when we put him in an MRI scan and there was only DOMS, so he didn't have anything. But he is also experiencing this programme for the first time and if I don't have that many players, I would like the ones I do have available and playing as many minutes as possible, but realistically. That's what I tried to do today.”
Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of Ekitike for the clash against Arsenal. The France international has been excellent since his arrival at Anfield, scoring 11 goals so far. Wataru Endo (ankle) remains unavailable along with Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns (both hamstring).
Continue Reading