Liverpool manager Arne Slot states that Florian Wirtz could return for a few minutes in the upcoming FA Cup fifth-round match against Wolves. The German midfielder, sidelined since an injury in the warm-up before the victory over Nottingham Forest on February 22, has missed three games, including the recent 2-1 Premier League defeat to Wolves.
Wirtz’s Road to Recovery
Wirtz took a significant step forward by training partially with the team yesterday. Slot notes, “He trained half and half with the team yesterday. He made the next step in rehab. Let’s see where he is today. He could be available for a few minutes tomorrow in the best scenario.” The manager confirms that the rest of the squad remains fit.
Impact on Liverpool’s Attack
Wirtz’s absence has highlighted Liverpool’s challenges in maintaining attacking balance. Despite a 5-2 win over West Ham during this period, concerns persist over chance creation, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah facing scrutiny for limited contributions from the wings.
Slot emphasizes Wirtz’s importance, saying, “One of the players who creates is Florian Wirtz. He got injured three games ago. Before that the team had a certain balance and we’ve had to adjust again. That’s happened a lot this season.”
He adds that attacking play extends beyond Gakpo and Salah: “Cody and Mo we expect and they expect from themselves to score more. But attacking isn’t just down to Cody and Mo.” Slot acknowledges the league’s competitiveness, stating, “Not all the games have improved in terms of creating chances. But we’re not the only team that finds it hard to create from open play. It’s the quality of the league that makes it more complicated.”
Liverpool ranks high in ball possession but not at the bottom for chance creation, according to Slot.
Key Fixtures Ahead
A victory at Molineux secures a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals. This match kicks off a crucial run, followed by a Champions League last-16 clash with Galatasaray and a Premier League encounter against Tottenham at Anfield on March 15.
