Arne Slot lost Florian Wirtz to injury for Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest
Wirtz was due to start for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest last weekend, but was forced to withdraw from the line-up after complaining of a back issue during the warm-up.
Curtis Jones was then upgraded to a starter, but the Reds struggled without the German playmaker’s creativity en route to a 1-0 win courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister’s late goal.
Slot will be keen to have the 22-year-old available for selection very soon as the Reds are entering the crunch period of the season with plenty to play for in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Liverpool are next in action on Saturday when they host relegation threatened West Ham at Anfield and Slot has given an update on his attacking midfielder.
Speaking on Friday, the Liverpool boss said: “I don’t expect Florian to be available, that is a disappointment of course.
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“Every time a player is not available it is a disappointment and also something I did not expect after last week but that is sometimes how things evolve and unfortunately this time it is not in a positive way.”
Slot has said he is not sure on a potential return date for Wirtz, though Jeremie Frimpong is available for selection having sustained a groin injury in the Champions League win over Qarabag a month ago.
“Jeremie is [available] he trained with us a few times this week, so he is available,” the Dutchman added.