Arne Slot confirms major Liverpool injury boost — and more

Arne Slot Provides Florian Wirtz Injury Update Ahead of Wolves Clash

Liverpool head into their FA Cup meeting with Wolves with renewed optimism after an encouraging update on Florian Wirtz. Arne Slot confirmed the attacking midfielder is edging closer to a return, which will be welcome news for supporters ahead of Friday evening’s tie.

The German playmaker has missed several recent fixtures with a back problem, leaving Liverpool without one of their most inventive players during a crucial part of the campaign. With Wolves again standing in their way, attention has naturally turned to whether Wirtz can play any part.

Florian Wirtz Recovery Progress

Florian Wirtz first encountered the issue in the warm up before Liverpool’s 1-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest on February 22. The 22 year old had been named in the starting line up but withdrew shortly before kick off after feeling discomfort in his back.

At first the expectation inside Liverpool was that the problem would be minor. Instead it has lingered, ruling Wirtz out of the home win over West Ham United and the recent defeat against Wolves.

Photo: IMAGO

His absence has been noticeable. Liverpool remain a strong attacking side under Arne Slot, but when Wirtz is missing the final third can become slightly easier for opponents to read. The German’s ability to glide between the lines, find pockets of space and thread passes through tight defensive structures gives Liverpool a different dimension.

Arne Slot Provides Positive Update

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Wolves, Slot offered a cautiously encouraging assessment of Wirtz’s progress.

“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. Everyone else fine.”

That update suggests Liverpool will take a careful approach with Florian Wirtz rather than rushing him back too quickly. Even a brief cameo could give Liverpool a lift, particularly if the match becomes tight late on.

Slot also hinted that rotation will be necessary, though Liverpool will not have a completely fresh line up available.

“We have a few but we don’t have 11. I always have options to bring in and players can bring in and let them start.”

Liverpool Focused On Response Against Wolves

Liverpool’s defeat at Wolves recently still lingers in the background, and Slot acknowledged that his side must react in the right way. The FA Cup tie offers an immediate opportunity to do exactly that.

“Not for the first time this season, three days after a game where we have dropped points, I’ve seen us do quite a lot this season, we have to be better than we were last time.”

That message underlines the standards expected at Liverpool since Slot guided the club to the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season. Consistency, intensity and a swift response to setbacks have become hallmarks of the team.

With Wolves arriving for this FA Cup contest, Liverpool will hope to combine those qualities with the potential return of Florian Wirtz, even if only briefly. His creativity could provide the spark needed to push Liverpool towards the next round and keep momentum building in the weeks ahead.

For now the situation remains a watching brief, but the signs are positive. If Wirtz does feature, even for a handful of minutes, it could be a timely boost as Liverpool aim to overcome Wolves and continue their pursuit of more silverware.

• Matildas lead 3-0 at half-time on the Gold Coast

• Any thoughts? Get in touch with an email

It’s obviously going to case a shadow over tonight’s match so, as a reminder, The Guardian is bringing you live updates on the crisis in the Middle East.

“These women are prisoners,” says Cyrus Jones, a human rights activist who will be attending the match. “Iranian security is up on their floor [of the hotel] at night. They can’t leave their rooms. They can’t use the public bathrooms. They’re monitored when they go for breakfast, when they get on the bus. They’re monitored in a way no other players from other teams are.

Dunning is representing his heritage in the WBC.