Liverpool F.C.’s latest update on Florian Wirtz has cast fresh doubt over the coming fortnight, with Arne Slot suggesting Tuesday’s visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. will likely arrive too soon for the No.7.
The 22-year-old was absent for victories against Nottingham Forest F.C. and West Ham United F.C. after suffering a back problem during the warm-up at the City Ground. What initially appeared to be a minor setback now seems to be developing into an issue the club are unwilling to rush.
Speaking at the AXA Training Centre on Monday, Slot indicated there had been little change since the weekend. When asked about Wirtz’s condition ahead of Wolves, the 47-year-old admitted the situation remains largely the same.
He also hinted that Friday’s FA Cup clash with Wolves could come too early, potentially leaving Liverpool without one of their key creative forces for two consecutive weeks.
“The game tomorrow will probably come too soon and maybe the game at the weekend as well. Let’s see how that ends up,” Slot explained.
There was, however, a touch of optimism. Slot suggested Wirtz could return sometime next week, though he stopped short of offering a firm date. “We hope to have him back somewhere next week. Maybe earlier. Maybe a bit later. But that’s the timescale,” he added.
That estimate is significant as Liverpool balance league commitments with knockout fixtures. Slot previously revealed he had expected Wirtz to feature after the win over West Ham, only for circumstances to change quickly — highlighting how unpredictable the recovery has been.
While not definitive, this latest update raises concern because the recovery timeline has repeatedly shifted. Wirtz has featured in 25 Premier League matches this season, starting 21 and averaging 74 minutes per outing — a clear sign of how heavily Slot relies on him to dictate play in advanced areas.
Statistically, the German has also remained influential. He has scored four league goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 5.70, provided two assists from an expected assists (xA) figure of 4.13, and consistently contributed key passes and successful dribbles.
The issue extends beyond missing Tuesday’s trip to Wolves. With European fixtures looming, Liverpool may prefer caution over risking a premature return. Slot has consistently emphasised that players must be at full fitness to cope with the league’s intensity, and this update suggests the same careful approach will apply to Wirtz — even if it means a longer wait than first anticipated.
