Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool were dealt another injury concern before kick-off against Nottingham Forest, with Arne Slot awaiting positive updates. The Reds still secured a dramatic late win at the City Ground thanks to Alexis Mac Allister, boosting their Champions League hopes.
They are now level on points with both Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for the top five, with the former facing Everton on Monday night.However, the victory was overshadowed by Florian Wirtz pulling out during the warm-up.
Slot has since played down the issue, confirming the 22-year-old withdrew due to a back problem and expressing hope for a positive update this week. Slot said: “We don’t think it is very serious, but he felt his back too much during the warm-up to start. He wasn’t able to be 100 per cent or even close to 100 per cent.
“I think after being in this league for six, seven or eight months, he now understands no matter how good you are on the ball, you need to be 100 per cent at this level.
“So, we decided not to play him. We hope and expect he will be able to be with us again next week but you never know how things work out.”
Jeremie Frimpong missed Sunday’s win but could return soon. Arne Slot indicated the full-back is close to resuming training and may be available against West Ham United this weekend. Frimpong has been sidelined since limping off early against Qarabag FK last month with a thigh issue, though the injury was never considered severe.
Alexander Isak is also targeting a return before the end of the season. The striker, recovering from surgery after suffering a broken leg against Tottenham Hotspur in December, has resumed running on the training pitch but is not yet back in full boots.
Slot remains hopeful Wataru Endo can feature again this season, although he admitted the midfielder faces a lengthy spell out after being stretchered off against Sunderland with a serious foot injury.
Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign following knee surgery sustained against Arsenal and is now in a race to be fit should Northern Ireland qualify for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Giovanni Leoni will also miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his ACL on his debut versus Southampton in September. The 19-year-old has started light rehabilitation at the training ground but still faces a lengthy recovery.
Read more: Everton send sly dig to James Milner with social media post
Bayern Munich show renewed interest in Liverpool icon
World record former Liverpool striker hospitalised
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.