Liverpool’s recent update on Florian Wirtz has introduced new doubts about his availability over the coming weeks. Manager Arne Slot has indicated that Tuesday’s away match against Wolverhampton Wanderers is probably too early for the No.7 to return.
The 22-year-old has already missed recent victories over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United after picking up a back problem during the pre-match warm-up at the City Ground. What initially appeared to be a minor, brief issue now seems to be lingering longer than anticipated, and the club is reluctant to hurry his comeback.
Speaking at the AXA Training Centre on Monday morning, Slot confirmed there has been no significant progress since the weekend.
“There’s nothing new compared to what I mentioned after Saturday’s game,” the 47-year-old explained when questioned about Wirtz ahead of the Wolves clash.
He went on to suggest that the playmaker could also be sidelined for Friday’s Emirates FA Cup rematch against the same team, potentially leaving Liverpool without one of their key creative forces for two consecutive weeks.
“Tomorrow’s match will likely come too soon, and possibly the one at the weekend too. We’ll have to wait and see how things develop.”
Amid the uncertainty, Slot offered some positive outlook by outlining a tentative timeframe for Wirtz’s return.
“We hope to see him back sometime next week—perhaps a little sooner, perhaps a little later—but that’s the general window we’re looking at.”
This guidance will influence how the team navigates the busy schedule, as Liverpool balances Premier League pursuits with cup competitions. Slot has previously noted the unpredictable nature of this back injury.
Following the West Ham victory, he admitted he had anticipated Wirtz’s availability, only for the situation to change unexpectedly.
That’s why this latest statement feels somewhat concerning, even though nothing is set in stone—the recurring pattern has been a shifting recovery timeline.
Wirtz has featured in 25 Premier League games this season, starting 21 and averaging around 74 minutes per outing, highlighting how heavily Slot has relied on the German to dictate play in the attacking third.
Data from SofaScore reinforces his impact beyond raw goal tallies: four league goals (from an xG of 5.70), two assists (with an xA of 4.13), plus notable contributions in big chances created and key passes.
The worry extends beyond just the Tuesday fixture at Wolves; it affects the broader run of games. With the next European commitment approaching, the club may opt for caution over risking an early return.
Slot has consistently emphasized that no player can perform effectively in the Premier League without being 100% fit, and this update shows the team applying that principle to Wirtz, even if it means a slightly extended absence compared to initial hopes
