Florian Wirtz is not expected to play either game against Wolves this week, with the German’s back injury likely to keep him out until Liverpool visit Galatasaray.
Wirtz has already missed two games and is likely to sit out of two more, with the playmaker suffering a back injury in the warmup for Nottingham Forest.
Speaking after Saturday’s 5-2 win over West Ham, Slot ruled his No. 7 out of Tuesday’s trip to Wolves but gave hope for a return in time for the FA Cup fixture at the same stadium on Friday night.
When is Florian Wirtz due to return from injury?
But in his pre-match press conference on Monday morning, the head coach indicated Wirtz would not be available until the Champions League trip to Galatasaray on March 10 at the earliest.
“Not anything different [to say] than what I said after the game,” he explained.
“The game tomorrow will probably come too soon, and maybe the game at the weekend as well. But let’s see how it ends up.
“We hope to have him back sometime next week; maybe a bit earlier, maybe a bit later, but that timescale.”
Wirtz has been largely fit up until now, with only six outfielders clocking more minutes on the pitch for Liverpool and that has allowed him to find more consistency in his form.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 28, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates with team-mate Dominik Szoboszlai (L) after scoring the third goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
His absence is undoubtedly a blow, but the manner in which the Reds responded without him against West Ham – with Dominik Szoboszlai in the advanced midfield role – is encouraging.
Szoboszlai is likely to keep his place as the No. 10 against Wolves on Tuesday night, though with Wirtz also expected to miss the FA Cup fifth-round tie it could see Slot get more creative.
Liverpool are still short of options with Wataru Endo, James McConnell and Stefan Bajcetic sidelined, but Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha could come in for more game time in the coming weeks.