West Ham face one of their toughest remaining assignments on Saturday as they travel to Anfield.
The Hammers arrive on Merseyside in improved form, but they are well aware of the size of the task.
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Reigning champions Liverpool may have blown hot and cold at times this season, yet their squad depth and quality remain formidable.
However, ahead of the clash, West Ham have been given a significant lift.
Wirtz to Miss West Ham Game
Florian Wirtz. (George Wood/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz. (George Wood/Getty Images)
Liverpool will be without influential attacker Florian Wirtz this weekend — and there is no clear timeline for his return.
The German international was a late withdrawal from Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest after suffering a back issue. Now, manager Arne Slot has confirmed he will not be available against West Ham.
“I don’t expect Florian to be available. That’s a disappointment of course,” Slot said when speaking to reporters at the AXA Training Centre. “Every time when a player’s not available it’s a disappointment – and also something I didn’t expect after last week.
“But that’s sometimes how things can evolve and unfortunately this time not in a positive way.”
When pressed on a possible return date, Slot added: “At this moment of time, no.”
That lack of clarity suggests Wirtz could be sidelined beyond just this weekend’s fixture.
Wirtz Injury Huge Boost for Hammers
It is never pleasant to see a player ruled out through injury — but from a West Ham perspective, there is no denying this alters the equation.
After a slow start to life at Anfield, Wirtz has grown into one of Liverpool’s most influential performers in recent months. Operating in attacking midfield, he has begun to dictate tempo, unlock defences and contribute directly in the final third, registering six goals and eight assists in all competitions.
With West Ham battling to escape the relegation zone, any marginal gain matters. Removing a creative fulcrum of Wirtz’s calibre from Liverpool’s line-up could provide Nuno’s side with a genuine opportunity to frustrate the hosts and perhaps snatch a valuable result.
Points at Anfield are never easy to come by — but in a survival scrap, timing is everything.