Florian Wirtz has no return date after injury, Arne Slot confirms, as Liverpool prepare for West Ham with Frimpong back from injury and Salah backed to end goalless run.
Liverpool have been dealt a fresh injury concern after manager Arne Slot confirmed Florian Wirtz remains sidelined. The German playmaker suffered a back problem during the warm-up ahead of last weekend’s win at Nottingham Forest. Slot admitted the issue has proven more disruptive than expected. Crucially, he said there is no return date in mind.
Wirtz will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash with West Ham United at Anfield. Slot described the absence as a disappointment for both player and club. He stressed that, unusually, he genuinely does not know when Wirtz will be available again. That uncertainty complicates Liverpool’s planning during a critical phase of the season.
Wirtz had become Slot’s preferred option in the number-10 role after settling into English football. The 22-year-old had recorded six goals and seven assists across competitions. His influence between the lines added creativity during Liverpool’s recent upturn in results. Losing him now removes a key connector in the attacking structure.
Liverpool have still managed three straight wins in all competitions since defeat to Manchester City. Each victory came with a clean sheet, easing the pressure on the forwards. However, the margin for error remains slim in the race for Champions League qualification. Slot acknowledged that consistency, rather than flair, is currently carrying the team.
There was more positive fitness news involving Jeremie Frimpong. The right-back has trained several times this week following a hamstring injury. Slot confirmed he is available for selection against West Ham. His return offers balance after weeks of makeshift solutions in defence.
Frimpong’s pace and width could be vital against a West Ham side battling relegation. Liverpool have struggled at times to break down teams near the bottom. Slot openly admitted that record is something his side must improve. The focus, he insisted, remains on winning games rather than watching rivals.
Attention has also fallen on Mohamed Salah, who is enduring a rare Premier League scoring drought. Slot was quick to defend his forward, framing the issue as a team challenge. He noted that Salah’s own high standards shape the scrutiny he faces. The manager remains confident the goals will return.
Slot also pointed out that Salah is not alone. Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike have also scored less frequently in recent weeks. Liverpool’s defensive solidity has softened the impact of that drop-off. Still, sharper finishing will be required as fixtures intensify.
One beneficiary of recent rotation has been Rio Ngumoha. The teenager impressed from the bench against Nottingham Forest and is now pushing for more minutes. Slot praised his development, saying his improvement has earned greater trust. Ngumoha’s direct running offers a different threat wide.
The 17-year-old has limited league minutes this season but has made his impact count. His confidence on the ball stood out in recent appearances. With Wirtz unavailable, opportunities may open further. Slot hinted that form, rather than reputation, will guide his selections.
Liverpool enter the weekend sixth in the Premier League after 27 matches. They sit level on points with Chelsea and three behind Manchester United. A home win would apply pressure before rivals play later in the round. Slot admitted awareness of the table but stressed internal focus.
The West Ham fixture begins a demanding run that will Liverpool face Wolves in the league and FA Cup before taking on Galatasaray in the Champions League. Managing injuries while maintaining momentum is now crucial. Wirtz’s absence is a setback, but Slot believes solutions exist within the squad. The coming weeks will test that belief.
