Slot: Wolves Tilts “Too Early” For Wirtz Return

Liverpool’s surge toward next season’s Champions League gathered pace with a vibrant 5-2 dismissal of West Ham at Anfield, yet the triumph was tinged with concern over the continued absence of Florian Wirtz. The 20-year-old German, who had become the focal point of Arne Slot’s attack in recent weeks, was again left out of the matchday squad after a setback in his recovery from an unspecified injury.

Post-match, Slot delivered a sobering update on the playmaker’s status ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Wolves. “I think Tuesday will be too early,” the manager admitted. “I said last week I didn’t expect him not to be available for today, so sometimes with an injury things can develop in a positive way or in a negative way. Now we are thinking it doesn’t have to take too long, but Tuesday will probably be too early. The week after will be tight as things stand now.”

The remarks quashed any lingering hope of a swift return for Wirtz, whose creativity has been sorely missed during a stretch that has nevertheless seen Liverpool claim three consecutive league victories. Slot had initially anticipated the midfielder would feature against West Ham; instead, the Reds must again plan without their chief architect as they attempt to consolidate fourth place.

With the second leg of the Champions League round-of-16 tie against Galatasaray looming, the club’s medical staff will intensify efforts to have Wirtz ready for European duty. Until then, Liverpool will rely on the same makeshift forward unit that shredded West Ham, knowing that every point dropped in the league race could prove costly.

For now, the sight of Wirtz weaving through midfield remains on hold, and Slot’s cautious timeline suggests supporters may need to wait until continental competition resumes before welcoming back the youngster upon whom so much of the club’s long-term ambition rests.