Andoni Iraola says Florian Wirtz is a doubt for Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea after the playmaker was forced off in the Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion
Liverpool's Spanish head coach Andoni Iraola (L) checks on Liverpool's German midfielder #07 Florian Wirtz (R) as he leaves the game having picked up an injury during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on October 25, 2026. (Photo by Paul Currie / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Andoni Iraola checks on Florian Wirtz after the Liverpool star was forced to come back against Brighton (Image: Paul Currie / AFP via Getty Images)
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Florian Wirtz is a doubt for Liverpool's Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday after twisting his ankle against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Germany star had a hand in the opening goal of the 2-0 win over the Seagulls, firing in a deflected shot that went down as an own goal by Pascal Gross.
Alexander Isak doubled the advantage in the first half before Wirtz was withdrawn for Trey Nyoni after 65 minutes after going down injured.
Chelsea arrive on Merseyside for the fourth-round tie on Wednesday but Iraola conceded his in-form playmaker is now a doubt for that match and may be held in reserve ahead of a huge visit from Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, November 1.
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"Unfortunately, Flo had to leave the pitch with a small twist of the ankle," said the Liverpool head coach, who was celebrating his first league victory at home, and a fourth success on the run in all competitions. "It doesn't look very big but we are playing every three days so we need to see where he is.
"I'm very happy for today, very happy overall for this fourth win. I think we faced a very good opposition, similar to Villarreal the other day.
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"Teams that technically are really good. It's difficult to defend them a lot of times and I think it was key how we started today.
"We needed a strong start, to be aggressive, recover balls, win our duels, be dangerous in transitions, and I think we've done it.
"It has been a different game from the last ones, where we've conceded first. After, you need the comeback. Today I think we've started better and the game has gone differently."
On Isak, who has now scored six goals in the Premier League this season, Iraola added: "Yes, Alex, I think he's a striker, if we can put him in those positions, we can provide him good crosses, good situations, he will score the goals.
"I think it's a matter of, in this case, Bradley (Barcola), winning the duel, going 1v1, being faster than the opposition and finding good spots, yes."
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 2: Liverpool FC Head Coach Andoni Iraola concentrates after the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Liverpool's new head coach Andoni Iraola, pictured on the club's tour of the US(Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)