Florian Wirtz has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with West Ham United this weekend, with head coach Arne Slot admitting he is unsure when the playmaker will return.
However, the Reds will be boosted by the return of Jeremie Frimpong for Saturday’s visit of the Hammers after nearly a month out.
Florian Wirtz had been named in the starting line-up for last week’s win at Nottingham Forest but withdrew shortly before kick-off with a back problem.
Initially optimistic, Slot provided a more cautious update on Friday morning.
“I don’t expect Florian to be available so that’s a disappointment, of course. Every time a player is not available it’s a disappointment and it’s also something I didn’t expect after last week, but that’s sometimes how things can evolve and unfortunately this time not in a positive way,” the Dutchman said.
The head coach was then asked if he has a timeframe in mind for when Wirtz will be fit and said: “No, at this moment of time, no – and usually when I say that I do know that but I don’t want to share it! But now I honestly don’t know.”
Slot continued: “It’s definitely a shame. He has rhythm, of course, and in my opinion it’s already a big accomplishment of him that he stayed fit for such a long time because he had to make a step from where he played towards Liverpool, towards the Premier League, and that he stayed fit tells you lot about the mentality and work-rate of a player, and the performance staff.
“But unfortunately last week and this week he’s not available – and that is indeed a disappointment for him, but also for us because he played really, really, really well lately.”
Jeremie Frimpong has been sidelined since sustaining a groin injury early in the Champions League victory over Qarabag on January 28.
And of Frimpong, Slot said: “Jeremie is. He trained with us a few times this week so he is available.”
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