Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s build‑up to the West Ham clash has been overshadowed by fresh concern around Florian Wirtz, with the German playmaker still managing the back issue that forced him out of the Nottingham Forest game at the last minute. What was initially hoped to be a minor setback has now become a talking point.
Wirtz first felt the problem during the warm‑up at the City Ground, pulling up with discomfort in his lower back as he went through his usual pre‑match routines. He tried to loosen up and continue, but the issue did not settle, and Liverpool’s staff made the call to withdraw him from the starting XI before kick‑off, with Curtis Jones stepping in instead. The midfielder was later seen watching from the stands.
Wirtz was a noticeable absentee as the squad stepped up preparations for West Ham on. While teammates went through high‑intensity drills and small‑sided games on the grass, the 22‑year‑old was nowhere to be seen in the open‑media portion of the session, fuelling doubts over whether he will be ready to return in time.
Now Arne Slot has provided his latest, speaking in his pre-West Ham press conference has revealed that Wirtz is out for the game – while Jeremie Frimpong will return vs West Ham:
“Jeremie is OK, trained with us and is available, don’t expect Florian to be, which is a disappointment, every time my player isn’t available is disappointment and I didn’t expect,” Slot said.
“No [idea how long he is out] usually I do but don’t want to share it but I honestly don’t know. It’s a big accomplishment for him to stay fit for such a long time because he had to stay fit to make the step up but unfortunately he is not available, which is a disappointment for him and for us, because he played really well.”
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