**Arne Slot provides Liverpool injury update ahead of West Ham United match**
Just 24 hours after fears emerged that the German playmaker could return in time, it has now been confirmed he remains sidelined with a back injury.
Florian Wirtz has been steadily growing in influence at Liverpool following his £116m summer move from the Bundesliga. After a slow start to life on Merseyside, the attacking midfielder had begun dictating games and adding much-needed creativity to Arne Slot’s side.
He withdrew at the last minute from Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest and the Reds noticeably lacked spark in the final third.
Slot delivers unexpected setback
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There had been an expectation inside Anfield that Wirtz would recover in time to face West Ham United. However, speaking at his pre-match press conference, Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted the situation had not improved.
“I don’t expect Florian to be available. That’s a disappointment of course,” Slot told reporters. “Every time when a player’s not available it’s a disappointment – and also something I didn’t expect after last week.”
There is currently no clear timeline on his return, which represents a serious opportunity for West Ham and Nuno as we battle to climb out of the relegation zone.
Liverpool without Wirtz are a slightly different proposition. His absence removes a key creative outlet and reduces the supply line into their forward line. . . maybe I’m clutching at straws?
The Hammers still face a daunting task at Anfield, but if ever there was a moment to seize an opportunity, this might just be it. COYI