Florian Wirtz, a key player for Liverpool, is set to miss a crucial match against West Ham at Anfield, casting a shadow over the Reds' aspirations for a top-four finish in the Premier League. Manager Arne Slot has delivered a concerning update regarding the young German's condition, revealing that the back injury that kept him out of last weekend’s victory against Nottingham Forest is more serious than initially anticipated.
Wirtz, who had been included in the starting lineup at the City Ground, was forced to withdraw due to discomfort, leaving fans and the coaching staff anxious about the extent of his injury. “At this moment in time, I don’t know,” Slot stated, expressing uncertainty about Wirtz's recovery timeline. “Usually when I say that, I do know and I don’t want to share that. But this time, I honestly don’t know.” This revelation is a significant blow for Liverpool, as they strive to solidify their position in the Premier League and aim for advancement in the Champions League.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who made a headline-grabbing £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, has recently found his rhythm, contributing four goals and two assists in his last ten league appearances. “It’s a big accomplishment for Wirtz to stay fit for such a long time because he had to make a step up from where he played to the Premier League and Liverpool,” Slot emphasized. “It tells a lot about his mentality and work rate that he has stayed fit for so long. It is a disappointment for him and for us, because he has played really, really well lately.”
With Wirtz sidelined, Slot is looking to other players to step up, particularly Mohamed Salah, who has been struggling to find the back of the net. Salah’s last goal in the Premier League dates back to November 1, an unexpected drought for a player who lit up the league with 29 goals last season. “He has set his own standards and they are so, so, so high that the moment he doesn’t score for a few games, people are immediately surprised,” Slot remarked. He acknowledged that Salah's recent performances, while below his usual prolific output, still show glimpses of his capabilities, citing a recent goal and assist in the FA Cup against Brighton.
Slot was quick to remind everyone that Salah is not the only forward facing a goal drought; teammates Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo have also been struggling to find their scoring touch. “It is not that the focus should be all on him,” Slot noted. “But we keep clean sheets, so we don’t need to score as many.” This collective responsibility could be crucial as Liverpool prepares to face a West Ham side battling against relegation.
As Liverpool gears up for this vital clash, they currently sit in sixth place, having won three of their last four league matches. With fierce competition from Manchester United and Chelsea, Slot knows the importance of securing maximum points against the Hammers. “We know we need to win a lot of games, because our competitors for these Champions League places are very good teams as well,” he stated. “Winning a lot, that is where our focus is. Not so much about points and gaps although we are aware of the table. That’s for sure.”
In summary, the absence of Wirtz combined with Salah's goal-scoring woes presents a substantial challenge for Liverpool as they head into a crucial fixture. The pressure is on for other players to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.
