Liverpool may now be without Florian Wirtz for both matches against Wolves this week, according to an update from journalist Matt Addison.
The Reds head to Molineux twice in the coming days, facing Wanderers in the Premier League on Tuesday and then the FA Cup on Friday.
The first game takes precedence for Liverpool, but progression to the FA Cup quarter-finals is also important, as Arne Slot’s side look to rescue a disappointing season by winning some silverware.
The Merseysiders have been without Wirtz since he injured his back in the warm-up away to Nottingham Forest earlier this month, and there is no definite return mate confirmed yet.
Now, Addison to taken to X to share news from Slot’s pre-Wolves press conference, saying the German is now unlikely to return until the Champions League clash away to Galatasarsay next Tuesday, missing both of this week’s fixtures:
“Florian Wirtz could miss bothLFC games against Wolves this week, with Arne Slot hopeful he will be back to face Galatasaray.”
Liverpool desperately need Florian Wirtz back fit
Wirtz has been a miss in the last few games, even though Liverpool have won them, with some of their attacking player looking one-dimensional without him.
He has become the creative hub of the team, having overcome a slow start to life at Anfield, with Steven Gerrard making it clear what he thinks of him as a player recently:
“Game by game he’s evolving, he’s improving. After a tough start, big price tag, a lot of pressure, big move for him. In terms of this kid’s technical level, it’s world class. He’s got the world at his feet. He’s so exciting to watch. In tight little areas his first touch is immaculate. His awareness of what’s around him is superb, he’s always looking to create goals, he’s always trying to get on the scoresheet as well.”
Not risking Wirtz for the Wolves FA Cup game does make sense, and hopefully, he will be back among the substitutes for the trip to Galatasaray on March 10th.
Some may understandably want him to go straight back into the starting lineup, but it is important that he isn’t rushed back, which could aggravate the back issue further.