Alan Smith has highlighted a worrying issue at Liverpool after Florian Wirtz’s injury, raising concerns about squad depth as the Reds approach a crucial point in the season
19:13, 22 Feb 2026
Florian Wirtz
Liverpool missed Florian Wirtz against Nottingham Forest(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Alan Smith has raised concerns about Liverpool's squad depth after Florian Wirtz suffered an injury ahead of the game against Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool were forced into a late change ahead of their match against Nottingham Forest, with Wirtz withdrawing from the starting lineup.
The Germany international had been named to start at the City Ground by manager Arne Slot, but an injury sustained during the warm-up forced him out just before kick-off. Curtis Jones was handed a late call-up, having initially been set to begin the game on the bench.
With Wirtz being added to the Reds' growing injury list, there have been concerns surrounding the options available to Arne Slot.
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Smith speaking for Sky Sports at the City Ground said: "Forest have got more viable options from the bench than Liverpool today."
Ultimately, Liverpool went on to win the game 1-0, though the result was not without late drama involving Alexis Mac Allister. The midfielder initially thought he had grabbed a decisive goal in the closing stages, only for it to be ruled out after VAR confirmed the ball had struck his elbow.
The Argentine eventually had the final say, scoring the winner in the 97th minute. That effort was checked for a possible offside involving Virgil van Dijk, but the goal was ultimately allowed to stand.
Slot confirmed that Wirtz sustained a minor back injury during the warm-up, prompting his late withdrawal from the starting XI. The German is not expected to be sidelined for long and is hopeful of returning next week against West Ham United.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool looks on during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at City Ground on February 22, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Wirtz picked up an injury during Liverpool's warm-up(Image: Getty Images)
The Reds struggled for creativity in the final third, an area where Wirtz was clearly missed. The German was seen grimacing in the stands in the East Midlands as he watched on.
Wirtz has been in strong form in recent weeks, contributing goals and assists consistently over the past six weeks, but without him in the side Hugo Ekitike was largely starved of service and failed to make an impact.
Slot was asked by Sky Sports post-match about his side missing Wirtz. "I hope it's more than that because if we rely on one player, then things are not good," he said.
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"And that's also not the situation. We've missed players throughout the whole season. It was another miss for us.
"He's in really good form, but someone else has to do the job, and Forest have good players. I said before the game that I was surprised about their league position."