Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz will miss Saturday's Premier League encounter with West Ham after aggravating a back injury, manager Arne Slot confirmed on Friday.
The 22-year-old German was a late withdrawal from last weekend's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest after picking up the problem during the warm-up. Slot initially expressed hope that Wirtz would recover in time for the West Ham match, but the Dutchman now concedes the former Bayer Leverkusen star faces a longer absence.
'I don't expect Florian to be available so that's a disappointment,' Slot told reporters. 'Every time my player isn't available, it's a disappointment and 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 Liverpool boss admitted the club is still unsure of the full extent of the injury. 'At this moment of time, no. And usually when I say that I do know but I don't want to share it, but now I honestly don't know,' he said.
Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a record-breaking move last summer, had begun to find form with five goals and two assists in 12 appearances across all competitions since the start of 2026.
There was better news for Liverpool regarding defender Jeremie Frimpong, who is available for the first time since sustaining an injury in late January against Qarabag. 'Jeremie is available. He trained with us a few times this week so he's available,' Slot confirmed.
