Liverpool has been forced into a last-minute change against Nottingham Forest today, with Florian Wirtz forced out of the side.
The German international had been named in the side to start at the City Ground by Arne Slot, but an injury during the warm-up saw him pull out of the side just ahead of kick-off.
Curtis Jones has therefore earned himself a late call-up to the side, having originally dropped to the bench as part of two changes made from last weekend's FA Cup win over Brighton. Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch had been recalled to the side, with Federico Chiesa also making way.
There has been no word on Wirtz's injury yet, with the forward seen making his way off the pitch as he spoke to Liverpool's coaching staff, with the decision then taken to withdraw him from the team.
Reacting to Wirtz being ruled out, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports: "It's a big blow. He's been the one knitting everything together. Curtis Jones is more of a central midfield player.
"So you'd wonder if Jones sits alongside Gravenberch and Mac Allister steps up into the No 10."
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Curtis Jones of Liverpool runs with the ball under pressure from Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at City Ground on February 22, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Curtis Jones was called up to start for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest after Florian Wirtz's injury (Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot will be keeping his fingers crossed that Wirtz's injury doesn't keep him out for too long, with the Reds already struggling with a number of injury problems.
Liverpool was already without five players for the trip to Forest. Jeremie Frimpong looks to be the closest to a return, although he will have to wait until next weekend's game against West Ham at the earliest.
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Alexander Isak is continuing his recovery, and is still on course to make a return before the end of the season, with Slot suggesting on Friday the striker could be back at the end of March or the beginning of April.
The Liverpool boss is also hopeful that Wataru Endo might be able to return before the end of the campaign, although the midfielder is not expected back anytime soon.
Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, meanwhile, are out for the remainder of the season, with both having suffered knee injuries and not expected back until next season.