Florian Wirtz’s fitness has been clarified after the Liverpool midfielder was substituted during the [2-2 draw against Fulham](https://live4liverpool.com/arne-slot-drops-negative-wataru-endo-liverpool-injury-update/), with Arne Slot confirming there is no fresh injury concern ahead of the trip to Arsenal.
Wirtz found the net for the second time in his Liverpool career at Craven Cottage, equalising in the 57th minute after his effort initially appeared to be ruled out for offside.
Following a lengthy VAR check, the goal stood, marking another encouraging moment in what has been a gradual settling-in period for the Germany international.
The £100 million summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen endured a challenging start to life at Anfield, but recent weeks have seen signs of him beginning to impose himself in a Liverpool shirt.
However, Slot has been carefully managing the attacking midfielder’s workload after Wirtz experienced hamstring-related discomfort earlier this month.
That issue forced Wirtz to miss training ahead of Liverpool’s goalless draw with Leeds United on New Year’s Day, before he was withdrawn midway through the second half. He was again substituted against Fulham, raising fresh questions over his availability for Thursday’s Premier League showdown with leaders Arsenal.
**Arne Slot reveals further investigation into Wirtz’s fitness**
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Speaking after the match, Slot revealed Wirtz had already undergone an MRI scan, which showed no structural damage.
“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,” Slot explained. “He is also experiencing this programme for the first time.
“If I don’t have that many players available, I would like the ones I do have playing as many minutes as possible, but realistically. That’s what I tried to do today.”
**A bad time for further Liverpool absentees**
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Liverpool were stretched for attacking options at Fulham, with Hugo Ekitike sidelined by a hamstring problem, Alexander Isak out with a broken leg, and Mohamed Salah absent due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite Wirtz only suffering from delayed onset muscle soreness, Slot opted for caution as Liverpool prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.
The Reds remain hopeful that Ekitike will be fit in time to face Arsenal. The French forward has made an immediate impact since arriving at Anfield, scoring 11 goals in all competitions so far this season.
Wataru Endo (ankle) remains unavailable, while Giovanni Leoni continues his recovery from an ACL injury. Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns are also sidelined with hamstring issues as Liverpool assess their options ahead of Thursday’s trip to the Emirates Stadium.